Kimishige Ishizaka

Japanese immunologist

Kimishige Ishizaka (石坂 公成, Ishizaka Kimishige, born December 3, 1925) was a prominent Japanese immunologist known for his discovery of immunoglobulin E (IgE), a class of antibody that plays a crucial role in allergic reactions. His work has had a significant impact on the field of allergy and immunology, providing a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying allergic responses.

Early life and education

Kimishige Ishizaka was born in Tokyo, Japan. He pursued his medical education at the University of Tokyo, where he developed an interest in immunology. After completing his medical degree, Ishizaka continued his studies in the field of immunology, focusing on the mechanisms of immune responses.

Career

Kimishige Ishizaka in 1997

Ishizaka's career in immunology began in earnest when he moved to the United States to work at the Children's Asthma Research Institute and Hospital in Denver, Colorado. It was here, alongside his wife and fellow researcher Teruko Ishizaka, that he made the groundbreaking discovery of IgE in 1966. This discovery was pivotal in understanding how the immune system responds to allergens and has led to the development of various treatments for allergic conditions.

After his time in Denver, Ishizaka continued his research at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he further explored the role of IgE in allergic reactions. His work at Johns Hopkins contributed to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for allergies.

Discovery of IgE

The discovery of IgE was a landmark event in the field of immunology. Prior to Ishizaka's work, the mechanisms of allergic reactions were not well understood. Ishizaka and his team identified IgE as the antibody responsible for triggering allergic responses by binding to allergens and activating mast cells and basophils, which release histamines and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

This discovery not only advanced scientific understanding but also paved the way for the development of allergy testing and treatments such as antihistamines and immunotherapy.

Awards and recognition

Kimishige Ishizaka received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to immunology. These include the Gairdner Foundation International Award, the Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize, and the Japan Academy Prize. His work has been widely recognized as foundational in the field of allergy and immunology.

Personal life

Ishizaka was married to Teruko Ishizaka, who was also a distinguished immunologist. Together, they collaborated on many research projects and made significant contributions to the understanding of allergic diseases.

Legacy

Kimishige Ishizaka's discovery of IgE has had a lasting impact on the field of medicine. His work has improved the lives of millions of people suffering from allergies and has inspired further research into the immune system and its disorders.

Related pages

• Immunology
• Allergy
• Antibody
• Mast cell
• Basophil