Overview
- The Osaka University scientist delivered his Nobel lecture in Stockholm, tracing 40 years from early Aichi Cancer Center experiments to the identification of regulatory T cells.
- He said the biology has reached a clinically applicable stage with prospects for treating autoimmune disease, reducing allergy, and improving transplant safety.
- He explained that weakening regulatory T cell activity could bolster anti-tumor immunity in cancer treatment.
- In remarks to reporters, he noted that Regcell, a California startup he founded, plans a human trial next year for an autoimmune indication, while emphasizing careful, staged testing.
- The lecture drew a standing ovation, with Sakaguchi closing by thanking his wife and collaborator, Kyoko.