Prof. Schwartz challenged the convention that nerve cells do not regenerate or recover, and discovered that the immune system also takes care of them. She also studied the blood-brain barrier and discovered that it prevents the cells of the immune system from helping in cases of brain damage such as Alzheimer's
The Minister of Education, Yoav Kish, announced on Monday March 13, 2023 that Prof. Michal Schwartz is the winner of the Israel Prize in the field of life sciences research for the year XNUMX.
The award committee convened under the chairmanship of Prof. Elisha Haas and with the participation of the members: Prof. Shulamit Levenberg, Prof. Yossi Shila and Prof. Michal Shapira.
The award committee stated in its reasoning that: "The award is given to Prof. Schwartz for her groundbreaking discoveries, which led to a new understanding of the joint function of the immune system and the brain. Her work opened up new research directions in brain research and understanding incurable degenerative brain diseases. Her discoveries include the key role of the cells of the immune system in the healing processes of the central nervous system, the discovery of the importance of the immune system in the functioning of the healthy brain and the discovery of the connection between a decrease in the function of the immune system and dementia."
The committee also noted that "Prof. Schwartz bravely stood up to the opinion that was accepted in the field (according to which nerve cells do not regenerate or recover), put forward an original hypothesis and managed to prove its truth. Her work forms the basis for the development of drugs for diseases of the central nervous system. Prof. Schwartz raised many generations of young Israeli researchers, who absorbed from her the spirit of pioneering thinking, the belief in a vision, the ability to persevere and above all - the love of science.
The relationship between the immune system and the nervous system
Her main scientific interest is in the fields of neuroimmunology, neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. With a career spanning four decades, she has made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of the complex interplay between the immune system and the central nervous system (CNS). Through her research, she challenged the traditional view that the central nervous system is a privileged site of the immune system, and demonstrated that immune system cells play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the central nervous system, repairing damage and fighting neurodegenerative diseases.
One of the main research focuses in Prof. Schwartz's laboratory at the Weizmann Institute is the role of immune system cells, especially T cells and macrophages, in the repair of the central nervous system and the protection of nerve cells. By studying how immune system cells communicate with the brain and spinal cord, her team was able to identify key molecular players that influence the healing process following injury or disease. Their findings showed that the immune system can support the survival and regeneration of nerve cells and promote the elimination of toxic waste and waste products.
blood-brain barrier
Another area in which Prof. Schwartz delved into is the study of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a protective structure that separates the central nervous system from the circulatory system. While the BBB is essential for maintaining a stable environment for the brain, it can also inhibit the entry of immune cells that may be helpful during injury or illness. Prof. Schwartz's research showed that regulating the permeability of the BBB can help introduce beneficial immune cells into the central nervous system, thus promoting repair and recovery.
The relationship between decreased immune system function and Alzheimer's
In recent years, Michal Schwartz's work has increasingly focused on neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By elucidating the role of the immune system in the onset and progression of these disorders, her research has opened up new possibilities for therapeutic intervention. For example, her team discovered that a decline in the immune system's ability to support the central nervous system is a major contributor to Alzheimer's disease. This has led to the development of innovative immunotherapies aimed at restoring the function of the immune system and fighting the progression of the disease.
Prof. Schwartz's research has also contributed to our understanding of the role of the immune system in other neurological conditions, such as glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury. In these contexts, her work has identified vaccine-based strategies that can protect against neural damage and promote regeneration of damaged neural tissue.
Throughout her career, Michal Schwartz has been a pioneering force in the field of neuroimmunology, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the complex relationship between the immune system and the central nervous system. Her research not only challenged old dogmas, but also paved the way for innovative therapeutic approaches to treat a wide variety of neurological disorders. Through her tireless pursuit of knowledge and her commitment to improving human health, she has made a lasting impact on both the scientific community and the lives of countless patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological conditions.
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The real main medicine is a vaccine beyond research on the body's immune system it is the easiest but only a vaccine can really help prevent and even where there is an aging of the population work on rejuvenating the population and also know that our generation is built differently in terms of evolution and adaptation to the modern era they look young for their age they didn't have time to research this Because it is possible that a 100 percent solution will really come from here
There is no doubt that every systemic component in the body is multi-purpose and capable of influencing not only its narrow field but other fields.
This is the peculiarity of the human body, where hormones have an effect on several systems. This is how nature compresses more material and information into a limited area...
The coward Kish is as dumb as a fish and complicit in the crime of destroying Israeli democracy. Receiving the award from him and from Bibi is a collaboration with this disaster. In particular, a disaster for science and women. As great as you are in science, so is the expectation of your greatness.