The Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine was awarded on Monday to three scientists for their discoveries about the immune system that could contribute to the treatment and prevention of viral diseases and cancer, the Nobel committee at Stockholm Karolinska institute said.
"Their work has opened up new avenues for the development of prevention and therapy against infections, cancer and inflammatory disease," the institute said in a statement.
French scientist Jules Hoffmann, the U.S. Bruce Beutler and Canadian-born Ralph Steinman will share the $1.5 million award.
The prize, established by Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel in his will in 1895, also covers chemistry, medicine, literature, peace and economics.
