手撕偏见、不怕被骂「伪科学」，今年的诺奖得主堪比热血漫主人公

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to Japanese scientist Shimon Sakaguchi for his research on regulatory T cells, which has revolutionized immunotherapy and deepened the understanding of the immune system [4][8]. Summary by Sections Discovery and Importance of Regulatory T Cells - Regulatory T cells play a crucial role in maintaining immune balance, and their subtle changes in quantity can significantly impact health. A decrease can lead to autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and lupus, while an increase can result in tumors and infections [9][10]. - The discovery of regulatory T cells by Sakaguchi and his colleagues has advanced research in autoimmune diseases and the immune system's functioning [8]. Shimon Sakaguchi's Journey - Sakaguchi faced skepticism and was labeled an "heretic" in the scientific community for proposing the existence of regulatory T cells, which contradicted the prevailing view that T cells only had an attacking function [11][27]. - His research journey was marked by persistence despite numerous challenges, including funding issues and rejection from top journals [35][36]. Breakthroughs and Collaborations - The turning point in Sakaguchi's research came when he linked the Foxp3 gene mutation to regulatory T cells, confirming their role in autoimmune diseases [42]. - Collaborations with scientists like Mary Blenko and Fred Ramsdell were pivotal in validating his findings and advancing the research [49]. Future Implications - Although the discovery of regulatory T cells has not yet directly translated into clinical applications, it provides potential therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases and cancer treatment [47]. - Sakaguchi emphasizes the importance of time and persistence in scientific research, highlighting that breakthroughs often require sustained effort and collaboration [49].