Jules Bordet (13 June 1870 – 6 April 1961) was a Belgian immunologist and microbiologist. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1919.
Life and Career
He was born on 13 June 1870, in Soignies, Belgium. His academic journey began at the Free University of Brussels, where he pursued a degree in medicine.
Following the completion of his medical degree, Bordet embarked on a remarkable career that would shape the landscape of immunology and earn him international acclaim. His groundbreaking research on the immune system and serology laid the foundation for modern immunology and transformed our understanding of how the body defends itself against pathogens.
His most significant contribution came in 1895 when he discovered the mechanism behind the immune response known as “complement fixation.” His experiments revealed that antibodies and a heat-labile component in the blood plasma, later termed “compliment,” work together to destroy foreign substances and enhance the body’s immune defenses. This pivotal discovery revolutionized the field and earned Bordet the 1919 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
He died on 6 April 1961, in Brussels, Belgium.
Award and Legacy
He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1919 for his discoveries relating to immunity.
His legacy extends far beyond his groundbreaking discoveries. His profound influence on the field of immunology continues to shape medical research and clinical practice to this day. His work laid the groundwork for the development of vaccines, diagnostic tests, and therapeutic interventions that have saved countless lives worldwide.