Biohistory Jyournal, Winter, 2002

Scientist Library: Index > The mechanism of immunity and allergy

The mechanism of immunity and allergy

Kimishige Ishizaka, President Emeritus, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology

photograph by Naruaki Onishi

Dr. Ishizaka’s research objective throughout his life has been to identify the mechanism of allergies. In the course of his research he discovered Immunoglobulin E (IgE), the cause of allergies. From this, he discovered that the elaborate and complex immune reaction, focused on the antigen-antibody reaction that protects the self from the external world and distinguishes between self and other, was also the cause of the vexing allergy symptoms. The discovery of IgE was a major impetus for the research that lies at the heart of modern biology, including immunology and cell biology.     Ishizaka’s research methods did not overlook phenomena that did not conform to conventional wisdom, and identified the reasons for that lack of conformity. These were factors leading to this extremely interesting discovery. His methods are characterized by rational thought, solution, and execution, regardless of any obstacles.     Dr. Ishizaka spent many years conducting research in the U.S. Later, he lived at Zao with his wife, his partner in research, and during her illness, he was always at her bedside. The strength of his constant positive attitude made these years something completely natural.

Hidesaburo Hanafusa 1925: Born in Tokyo 1948: Graduated from the University of Tokyo School of Medicine 1953-1962: Chief, Department of Serology, Division of Immunoserology, National Institute of Health, Japan 1957-1959: Research Fellow, Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology 1963-1970: Chief, Department of Immunology, Children's Asthma Research Institute and Hospital, Denver, Colorado 1970-1980: Professor of Medicine and Microbiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 1974-1980: Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University 1981-1989: Director, Subdepartment of Immunology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 1985: Chairman, American Association of Immunologists 1989-1996: Scientific Director, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology Adjunct Professor, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego 1997: Member, The Japan Academy 1972:Passano Foundation Award, United States (jointly with wife Teruko) 1974:Received the Japan Academy Award and the Order of Cultural Merit 1999:Received the First Order of Merit, The Order of the Sacred Treasure 2000:Received the Japan Prize

1953: At the Institute of Infectious Diseases 1970: At the World Allergy Organization (Florence, Italy) 1959: At the American Association of Immunologists

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