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Scientific Colloquium of the 2024 Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize Winner: The Important Role of Gut Bacteria – the Microbiome – in the Human Immune System

02 / 2024

  • This year's Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize goes to Professor Dennis L. Kasper from Harvard Medical School for insights into the role of the intestinal microbiome in the human immune system.
  • Professor Kasper paid particular attention in his research to the bacterial species Bacteroides fragilis, which colonises our intestines early and in large numbers after birth.
  • Kasper was able to show how intestinal bacteria ensure that our immune system finds a healthy balance between resistance and tolerance, which has a mitigating effect on inflammatory reactions.

From left to right: Professor Dennis L. Kaspar and Professor Stefan Vieths (Source: Paul-Ehrlich-Institut)

Press Release

Every year, the Paul Ehrlich Foundation awards one or more researchers with the Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize, endowed with €120,000. The prize recognises special contributions to the fields of research represented by Paul Ehrlich. Contributions to the fields of immunology, cancer research, haematology, microbiology, and chemotherapy are of particular significance. Traditionally, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut invites the laureate to hold a scientific lecture. As every year, the award ceremony took place on Paul Ehrlich's birthday, the 14th of March, in the Paulskirche in Frankfurt. Today, this year’s prize winner held a colloquium at the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut.

"Professor Kasper's research on the importance of intestinal bacteria for the interaction between the intestine and the immune system has made groundbreaking immunology findings possible. This knowledge has opened doors to completely new therapeutic approaches, especially for autoimmune diseases – diseases that are becoming increasingly common in our modern world," emphasised Professor Stefan Vieths, Acting President of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut.

The Gut and Its Importance for the Immune System

Dennis L. Kasper, Professor of Immunology at Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA, made a pioneering discovery of the unique mechanisms by which gut bacteria influence the immune system so that it maintains a healthy balance. His research activities focused on the bacterium Bacteroides fragilis.

The microbiome of the human intestine, which is mainly made up of bacteria, plays an important role in our health that goes beyond digestion. Professor Kasper has shown that Bacteroides fragilis contributes to promoting adequate immune responses and preventing unwanted inflammation. His work reveals the complex communication pathways between gut bacteria and the immune system and offers insights into the development of organs that are immunologically relevant.

Professor Kasper's research has led to significant findings regarding the interactions between the gut microbiome and the immune system. These findings have in turn led to promising approaches for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as ulcerative colitis and asthma.

Updated: 15.03.2024

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