Bruce Beutler, M.D., professor and director of the Center for the Genetics of Host Defense at UT Southwestern, shared the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his studies of the innate immune system. Working with mice, he discovered toll-like receptors, cellular sensors that recognize bacteria and activate inflammation. Dr. Beutler visited Sanford-Burnham’s La Jolla campus earlier this week to meet with colleagues and deliver a special lecture. He also serves on our Scientific Advisory Board.

While he was here, we sat down with Dr. Beutler and asked him about what inspired him to become a scientist, what he’s most proud of, where the field is headed, and how his life has changed since winning a Nobel.

Watch the video below to see what he said:

Video by James Short and Christina Nguyen