Kimishige Ishizaka

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Kimishige Ishizaka 19971212

Kimishige Ishizaka (July 3, 1925 – July 6, 2018) was a Japanese immunologist who is best known for his discovery of the antibody class Immunoglobulin E (IgE) with his wife, Teruko Ishizaka. This discovery was pivotal in the understanding of allergic reactions and allergies.

Early Life and Education

Kimishige Ishizaka was born in Tokyo, Japan. He pursued his medical degree at Keio University, where he developed an interest in immunology. After completing his degree, he continued his research in the field of immunology, focusing on the mechanisms of allergic reactions.

Career and Research

In the 1960s, Ishizaka and his wife Teruko moved to the United States to work at the Children's Asthma Research Institute and Hospital in Denver, Colorado. It was here that they made their groundbreaking discovery of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in 1966. This discovery was crucial in understanding how the immune system responds to allergens.

IgE is a class of antibody that plays a key role in type I hypersensitivity reactions, which include common allergic reactions such as asthma, hay fever, and anaphylaxis. The identification of IgE allowed for the development of new diagnostic tests and treatments for allergic diseases.

Later Work and Achievements

After their discovery, the Ishizakas continued their research in immunology. Kimishige Ishizaka held various academic positions, including a professorship at the Johns Hopkins University and later at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology in California.

Throughout his career, Ishizaka received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to immunology, including the Gairdner Foundation International Award and the Japan Academy Prize.

Personal Life

Kimishige Ishizaka was married to Teruko Ishizaka, who was also a prominent immunologist. The couple often collaborated on their research and made significant contributions to the field of immunology together.

Legacy

Kimishige Ishizaka's discovery of IgE has had a lasting impact on the field of immunology and the treatment of allergic diseases. His work has paved the way for better understanding and management of allergies, benefiting millions of people worldwide.

See Also

• Immunoglobulin E
• Allergy
• Type I hypersensitivity
• Teruko Ishizaka
• Johns Hopkins University
• La Jolla Institute for Immunology