Sela is known for his research in
immunology, particularly for research on synthetic
antigens,
molecules that trigger the
immune system to attack. This work of Sela has led to the discovery of the genetic control of the immune response, as well as to the design of
vaccines based on synthetic molecules. He was among the first who introduced the use of linear and branched synthetic
polypeptides as antigens, and this brought about a better understanding of immunological phenomena. For several decades, Sela was interested in the possibility of fighting the autoimmune disease, experimental allergic
encephalomyelitis with synthetic analogs of the molecules in the
myelin sheath of the brain which are capable of provoking the disease. He is probably best known as the co-developer (with
Ruth Arnon and
Dvora Teitelbaum) of the
multiple sclerosis drug
copaxone. == Awards and honours ==