Rolf Zinkernagel

Unmasked Viruses

Rolf Zinkernagel entered new scientific territory by finding out, how our immune system recognises virus-ridden somatic cells. Zinkernagel made a significant contribution to the treatment of infectious diseases, as well as to the strengthening of the immune system. His insights are amongst others of significance for graft surgery, where it is especially important to prevent the body’s own immune system from attacking the cells of a transplanted organ.