Tasuku Honjo

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Tasuku Honjo EM1B5529 (46157227432)

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11 Hegasy CTLA4 PD1 Immunotherapy

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Tasuku Honjo Susumu Nakanishi Ikuta Takagi Shinzo Abe Shunichi Iwasaki and Goichi Oda 20131103

Masuo Aizawa and Tasuku Honjo 20100826

Tasuku Honjo (本庶 佑, Honjo Tasuku, born January 27, 1942) is a prominent Japanese immunologist whose research has made significant contributions to the understanding of the immune system and its response to cancer. He is best known for his discovery of Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), a protein that plays a critical role in regulating the immune system's response to cells within the body, including cancer cells. This discovery has led to the development of new immunotherapy treatments for cancer, revolutionizing the approach to cancer treatment and earning him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2018, which he shared with James P. Allison.

Early Life and Education

Tasuku Honjo was born in Kyoto, Japan. He developed an interest in the biological sciences early in life. Honjo attended Kyoto University, where he received his M.D. in 1966 and his Ph.D. in 1975, focusing on molecular biology. His early work was influenced by his mentors and the burgeoning field of immunology, which at the time was beginning to reveal the complex mechanisms by which the body defends itself against pathogens.

Career and Research

After completing his education, Honjo conducted postdoctoral research at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C., and at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, where he began his lifelong work on the immune system. Upon returning to Japan, he took a position at Kyoto University, where he has spent much of his career. Over the years, Honjo has held several prestigious positions, including professorships and directorships, contributing significantly to the field of immunology through his research and leadership.

One of Honjo's most significant contributions to science is the discovery of PD-1, a protein found on the surface of cells that helps regulate the immune system's response to the cells of the body by inhibiting the immune system under certain conditions. This mechanism is crucial for preventing autoimmune diseases but can also be exploited by cancer cells to avoid being attacked by the immune system. Honjo's work on PD-1 has paved the way for the development of drugs that block this protein, thereby boosting the immune system's ability to fight cancer.

Awards and Honors

Tasuku Honjo has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2018. His other notable awards include the Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences and the Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science. These accolades recognize his groundbreaking work in uncovering mechanisms of immune regulation and its application to cancer therapy.

Legacy and Impact

Honjo's discovery of PD-1 and its role in immune regulation has had a profound impact on the field of oncology and treatment of cancer. His work has led to the development of several PD-1 inhibitor drugs, which have been successful in treating various types of cancer, thereby improving the survival rates and quality of life for countless patients. His ongoing research continues to explore the complexities of the immune system, seeking new ways to harness its power to fight disease.

Selected Publications

Throughout his career, Tasuku Honjo has authored numerous influential papers and articles that have contributed to the advancement of immunology and cancer therapy. Some of his most cited works include studies on the structure and function of PD-1 and its ligands, as well as the clinical implications of PD-1 blockade in cancer treatment.