Address of the President Sir Andrew Huxley, O. M. at the Anniversary Meeting, 30 November 1983

Abstract

The Copley Medal is awarded to Professor R. R. Porter, F. R. S., in recognition of his elucidation of the structure of immunoglobulins and of the reactions involved in activating the complement system of proteins. Professor Porter and his colleagues, before 1970, were responsible for major contributions to the study of the structure of immunoglobulins. They showed that the molecule consists of two pairs of polypeptide chains with the specific antigen-combining sites associated with part of these chain structures. He received a Nobel prize for this work in 1972. He and his group have continued to make outstanding and fundamental contributions to the protein chemistry of immunology. They have determined the structure of C1q, the protein that binds to the immune complex and initiates the controlled cascade of proteolytic reactions leading to cell lysis. They have made major contributions to the structural elucidation of several other protein components of this reaction cascade and have identified domains of these large molecules that are catalytic centres or are involved in the formation of activated or inhibitory complexes. They are currently studying the structure and function of these complexes and their components. His work has been characterized by protein chemistry of the highest standard and his studies have been fundamental to our understanding of immunological processes, with wide repercussions on the understanding of disease and its prevention.