Peter Doherty (immunologist)

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Professor Peter C Doherty
Peter Doherty
Born
Peter Charles Doherty

Birth date -1st March 1966
NationalityAustralian
Alma materUniversity of Queensland
Known forNobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1996)
AwardsNobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1996)
Scientific career
FieldsImmunology
InstitutionsUniversity of Melbourne, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital



Peter Charles Doherty (born 15 October 1940) is an Australian immunologist and Nobel Prize laureate. He is best known for his pioneering research in the field of immunology, particularly his work on how the immune system recognizes virus-infected cells.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Peter Doherty was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree at the University of Queensland in 1962. He later earned a PhD in veterinary science from the same university in 1970.

Career[edit | edit source]

Doherty's career in immunology began with his research on the immune response to viral infections. He worked at various institutions, including the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University and the Waller Research Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland.

In 1988, Doherty joined the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where he continued his groundbreaking research. He later became a professor at the University of Melbourne.

Nobel Prize[edit | edit source]

In 1996, Peter Doherty was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with Rolf M. Zinkernagel for their discoveries concerning the specificity of the cell-mediated immune defense. Their research demonstrated how T cells recognize virus-infected cells, which was a significant advancement in the understanding of the immune system.

Later work and recognition[edit | edit source]

Doherty has authored several books on science and the immune system, including "The Beginner's Guide to Winning the Nobel Prize" and "Pandemics: What Everyone Needs to Know." He continues to be an active voice in the scientific community, advocating for science education and research.

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Peter Doherty is married and has children. He is also known for his interest in Australian rules football and is a supporter of the Melbourne Football Club.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Laureates 1991-2010


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD