OSAKA, Oct 09 (News On Japan) - Osaka University’s Professor Shimon Sakaguchi has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering regulatory T cells that suppress excessive immune reactions, a landmark finding that has brought excitement to colleagues, students, and the medical community.
At a press conference held with his wife, Noriko, Sakaguchi expressed gratitude for their years of joint research and cooperation. The discovery of regulatory T cells has contributed to treatments for autoimmune diseases but also poses challenges in cancer therapy, where suppressing these cells is sometimes necessary to enhance the body’s immune response. Kyoto University’s Professor Kawamoto hailed the achievement as “a discovery that will go down in the history of immunology.” Venture companies originating from Osaka University also anticipate the award will expand opportunities for innovation in the medical field.
On the morning of October 9th, Sakaguchi was greeted by a large crowd of faculty and staff at Osaka University’s Suita campus. Students applauded as he arrived, one remarking, “He’s a figure I deeply respect and the kind of researcher I aspire to become.” Recognized for his discovery of regulatory T cells that restrain excessive immune reactions, Sakaguchi later joined a press conference with his wife, who also teaches at Osaka University. “After so many years of hard work, it’s truly rewarding to see our efforts take shape,” he said. “When two people think together, various ideas and insights emerge, and in that sense, I’m grateful we’ve been able to work side by side all these years—though I have to say that or I’ll get scolded,” he added with a smile.
To explain Sakaguchi’s discovery simply: in the history of immunology, it’s often described as one of the final great breakthroughs. The immune system’s job is to protect the body by attacking foreign pathogens while leaving the body’s own tissues unharmed. However, when immune cells mistakenly attack the body itself, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and allergies can develop. Regulatory T cells serve to stop such misguided attacks. Strengthening their function can lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders, while in contrast, reducing their activity could make it possible for the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells more effectively. “It’s a turning point that will change the direction of immune therapy,” said one researcher. “In the future, people will look back and realize how much we used to suppress immunity unnecessarily.”
The Nobel announcement has also energized startups linked to Osaka University. InnoSense, a venture based in Osaka City, has developed a device capable of detecting various diseases from just a single drop of blood in about ten minutes using proprietary university technology. The company hopes the prize will enhance the university’s reputation in medical innovation. “This recognition could accelerate the flow from basic research to applied medicine,” said a company representative. “We want people to say, ‘Osaka University—where Professor Sakaguchi came from—produces truly remarkable science,’ and we’ll continue doing our best to live up to that reputation.”
Source: Television OSAKA NEWS
