OSAKA, Oct 06 (News On Japan) - Osaka University's Shimon Sakaguchi, a specially appointed professor, has been awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking work in immunology. Sakaguchi is best known for discovering "regulatory T cells," a type of immune cell that suppresses excessive immune responses, a finding that has had far-reaching implications in medical science.

The discovery of regulatory T cells revealed their crucial role in preventing autoimmune diseases. Further research has shown that eliminating these cells can enhance cancer immunotherapy, offering new pathways for treatments against allergies, autoimmune conditions, and cancer.

Sakaguchi's recognition marks the sixth time a Japanese researcher has received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, following Tasuku Honjo in 2018.

Currently serving as a specially appointed professor at Osaka University's Immunology Frontier Research Center, Sakaguchi has earned several major international honors, including the 2015 Gairdner International Award -- often seen as a precursor to the Nobel Prize -- and the 2020 Robert Koch Award for outstanding achievements in immunology and related fields.