Bodmer, Walter Fred (1936– )

German-born English geneticist who was a pioneer of research into the genetics of the HLA (human leucocyte antigen) histocompatability system, which helps the immune system to distinguish between the body's own cells and foreign, potentially harmful cells, like bacteria, that need to be destroyed and cleared from the body.

The HLA system, which consists of a set of genes and their corresponding antigens presented on the surface of cells, is also important in the way that cells recognize one another and work together during embryonic development. Only when there is overlapping expression of these HLA antigens and genes by two individuals, can transplantation of tissues, organs, or limbs take place between them without rejection by the immune system of the recipient.

Bodmer was born in Frankfurt, Germany just before World War II and studied at Cambridge University in England. After working at Stanford University 1961–70, Bodmer was professor of genetics at Oxford University 1971–79. He was director of research then director general at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund in the UK 1979–95, during which time he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and knighted.