Immunologist Shimon Sakaguchi speaks at a news conference in Stockholm on Dec. 6., ahead of the ceremony for this year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. (Emiko Arimoto)

Photo/Illutration Nobel laureate Shimon Sakaguchi speaks at a news conference in Stockholm on Dec. 6. (Emiko Arimoto)

STOCKHOLM—Japanese scientist Shimon Sakaguchi highlighted how his discoveries in immune regulation could shape the future of medical research, speaking ahead of the ceremony for this year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

He also donated copies of a popular science-themed manga "Cells at Work!" to the Nobel Museum, underscoring the role pop culture can play in scientific education.

“I hope that receiving this Nobel Prize helps make our society recognize the importance of medical sciences and medical research,” said Sakaguchi, 74, at a news conference on Dec. 6.

Sakaguchi, a distinguished honorary professor at the University of Osaka, also stressed the need for governments to support fundamental science.

In 1995, he discovered regulatory T cells (Treg cells), which protect the body from autoimmune diseases.

Mary Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell, who share the prize with Sakaguchi, would go on to pinpoint the gene responsible for immune dysfunction, naming it FoxP3.

Sakaguchi later demonstrated that FoxP3 controls the development of the cells he had identified.

Their collective work has opened new therapeutic avenues: weakening the activity of Treg cells could enhance cancer treatments, while strengthening it may suppress autoimmune diseases.

“Immunology is a field where basic science and clinical science are very close,” said Sakaguchi, noting that regulatory T cells can be seen as a "living drug" with potential applications across a wide range of diseases.

“It’s still in an early stage of clinical application but we are optimistic that Treg-based therapies will one day become a reality,” he added.

After the news conference, Sakaguchi spoke about his symbolic donation of the "Cells at Work!" manga to the Nobel Museum.

The science-themed series features regulatory T cells as characters, helping readers understand complex biological processes.

“Japanese comics are world-class and play an important role in scientific education. I am grateful that the name ‘regulatory T cell’ can feel familiar to people through manga,” he said.

He expressed hope that the series will be translated more widely so children around the world can enjoy it.

In addition, Sakaguchi donated a handmade mouse figurine.

The Nobel laureate explained that he had used many mice in his experiments and that his mother had crafted the figure and given it to him.

Sakaguchi emphasized the importance of recognizing that scientific advances are made possible thanks to laboratory animals.

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