Professor Shimon Sakaguchi, who has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research on regulatory T cells, shared insights about his academic journey and the challenges he faced along the way. During an interview with Shinichi Nishikawa from Kyoto University, they covered various aspects of his work, including the creation of new research institutions and collaboration with other prominent scientists, highlighting how their efforts contributed to their success in the field of immunology.

Sakaguchi emphasized the importance of community and collaboration among young researchers, pointing out that such dynamics can lead to significant breakthroughs in science. He also discussed the evolving perception of regulatory T cells within the scientific community, detailing how he persisted in his research despite skepticism and opposition. The conversation touched upon the connections that led to the award, including collaborations with fellow researchers who were pivotal in advancing the field, like Shinya Yamanaka and others involved in cutting-edge research in regenerative medicine.

Looking to the future, Sakaguchi expressed intrigue about the Nobel Prize selection process and the potential for transparency in evaluating groundbreaking work in immunology and related fields. He noted that despite facing 'headwinds' throughout his career, progress in T cell research continues to gain traction globally, underscoring the significance of collective efforts in life sciences and paving the way for further advancements in understanding autoimmune diseases.