Professor SAKAGUCHI Shimon, Distinguished Honorary Professor of the University of Osaka, spoke at a joint press conference

*Professor SAKAGUCHI was awarded the title of Distinguished Honorary Professor of the University of Osaka on October 22, 2025.
For more details, please click the link below.
https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/news/topics/2025/10/22001

A joint press conference was held on October 6 at the university’s Convention Center for Professor SAKAGUCHI Shimon (Distinguished Honorary Professor of the University of Osaka), who was announced as a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of “regulatory T cells” that suppress immune overreaction.

Comments from Professor SAKAGUCHI Shimon

I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the selection committee members who recognized my research, as well as to the many colleagues, students, and co-researchers who have collaborated with me in this research.

The "regulatory T cells" we discovered are crucial cells that suppress immune responses, preventing excessive inflammation and autoimmune reactions. It was made possible thanks to the passion and collaboration of numerous researchers, as well as the understanding of society that supports the importance of basic research, that we were able to elucidate the existence and function of these cells over the course of many years.
This research demonstrated that the immune system operates on a delicate balance between the two forces of "attack" and "suppression," unraveling the mechanism of "tolerance" inherent in the human body. I sincerely hope that these findings will lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases, allergies, cancer, and many other conditions.

I am truly grateful to my colleagues, staff, and students at the University of Osaka and Kyoto University who have supported me to date, as well as to everyone who has provided me with opportunities and environment to conduct this research. Research cannot be done alone. The presence of colleagues who have worked, struggled, and exulted with me has brought us to this achievement.
I intend to continue to do my utmost to create an environment where young researchers can freely pursue basic research with innovative ideas. I also hope to pass on the joy of exploring the mysteries of life to the next generation.

Comments from President Atsushi Kumanogoh

Thank you all for gathering here today.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to those who were unable to join us in person and are watching the live broadcast.

We are pleased to announce that Professor SAKAGUCHI Shimon of the Immunology Frontier Research Center at our university has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Sakaguchi.
We are elated that the awardee has received this prize while still at our university, which is the first time ever in the university's history.

Professor Sakaguchi's research, recognized by this award, was the first in the world to demonstrate the presence of regulatory T (Treg) cells and immunological importance. Since then, research in this field has advanced dramatically not only at the University of Osaka but also globally, leading to applications in medicine and beyond.
This is truly a remarkable achievement.
This award is the fruit of Professor Sakaguchi's many years of tenacious, assiduous devotion to basic research.
We are confident that this will be great encouragement to young researchers and students facing various challenges while devoting themselves to their research every day.

We are genuinely grateful to Professor Sakaguchi.
Once again, our most sincere congratulations to Professor Sakaguchi on this occasion.　

For Prof. Sakaguchi’s research achievement and professional/personal history, please click here.

Related Links:
・[BREAKING NEWS] Professor SAKAGUCHI Shimon receives 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine!（October 6, 2025）
https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/news/topics/2025/10/06001-2
・[ATTN: Members of the Press] Regarding requests for individual interviews with Nobel Prize laureate Professor SAKAGUCHI Shimon on or after October 7 (October 6, 2025)
https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/news/topics/2025/10/nobel_interview
・Professor SAKAGUCHI Shimon visited Administration Bureau at the University of Osaka (October 8, 2025)
https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/news/topics/2025/10/08003
・Immunology Frontier Research Center, the University of Osaka
https://www.ifrec.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/