The Nobel Assembly has announced joint winners of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo are recognized for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation.
Both scientists used Seahorse technologies in their landmark research. (You can see their research here and here.) Seahorse is part of Agilent’s portfolio of cell analysis products, which allow scientists to measure cell processes in real time.
The two scientists independently studied proteins that stop the body’s immune system from doing its job. Their discoveries led to immunotherapy, which enables our immune system to fight cancer and other diseases.
“Cancer kills millions of people every year and is one of humanity’s greatest health challenges,” the Nobel assembly says. “By stimulating the inherent ability of our immune system to attack tumor cells, this year’s Nobel Laureates have established an entirely new principle for cancer therapy.”
Immunotherapy research has led to breakthrough cancer treatments such as Merck’s Keytruda®. Agilent’s Dako pharmDx products are companion diagnostics that help identify patients who may benefit from Keytruda.
Today’s blog post was suggested by Agilent employees Kaley Dark and Michelle Kleist.
For more information go to:
- The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has today decided to award the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation
- James P. Allison
- Tasuku Honjo
- Mitochondrial activation chemicals synergize with surface receptor PD-1 blockade for T cell-dependent antitumor activity
- Friends Not Foes: CTLA-4 Blockade and mTOR Inhibition Cooperate during CD8+ T Cell Priming To Promote Memory Formation and Metabolic Readiness
- Agilent Cell Analysis Products
- Agilent Dako pharmDx Products
