Citation | John Bell is distinguished for his work on the genetics of common human diseases. He has made major contributions to the understanding of the function and structure of HLA class II genes, the human T cell receptor and co-receptors. He identified the features of HLA class II genes that confer susceptibility to diabetes. His contributions in genetics of diabetes led him to systematic analysis of the genetics of common diseases and he founded the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics in Oxford. The scientific contributions of this Institute and its later evolution to include structural and developmental biology, together with his role in the development of neighbouring Institutes in Diabetes, Arthritis, Nephrology and Cardiology, exemplify his leadership and clear vision of what will be needed for a complete understanding of the genetics of human diseases. |