Sysmex Scientific Seminar
Outline
48th(2026) Sysmex Scientific Seminar
| Date/Time | May 30th, 2026, 10:00–16:40 (JST) |
|---|---|
| Format | Webinar（Live） |
What is Immune Therapy?
“Immune therapy” is a treatment approach that harnesses the power of the body’s own immune system to target and eliminate foreign substances. Unlike traditional surgery or chemotherapy, its unique feature is that it directly leverages the body’s natural immune functions.
For cancer treatment, conventional options have typically included three main approaches: surgery, radiation therapy, and drug-based chemotherapy. In recent years, however, immune therapy has emerged as a fourth option, providing new possibilities for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments.
Characteristics of Immune Therapy
Immune therapy targets and attacks specific antigens, which minimizes its impact on healthy cells. Additionally, side effects are generally mild, making it easier for patients to maintain their quality of life (QOL).
Current Status of Immune Therapy
Currently, immune-related drugs account for 60% to 70% of global pharmaceutical sales. Antibody drugs and biologics were initially developed to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Later, they were applied to allergic conditions and cancer treatment, leading to significant advancements in immune therapies.
In dermatology, for example, the world’s first topical immune drugs for atopic dermatitis were developed thanks to progress in skin immunity research. New immune modulators, such as JAK inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, have been introduced to manage conditions that were previously difficult to treat. These innovations have had a profound positive impact on patients.
Today, immune-based treatments are essential not only for cancer and allergic diseases but also for lifestyle-related and cardiovascular conditions. They are also playing a crucial role in addressing neurodegenerative disorders.
At the 48th Sysmex Scientific Seminar, we will explore the cutting edge of immune therapy with four leading experts.
We invite you to join us for their insightful lectures!
Interview with Atsushi Kumanogoh
(Planner, 48th Sysmex Scientific Seminar)
Program / Abstracts
| Basic Seminar | |
|---|---|
| 10:10-10:30 |
Plenary Lecture
Immune Disorders and Allergies Atsushi Kumanogoh, M.D., Ph.D. President, The University of Osaka |
| 10:30-11:20 |
Abstract / Curriculum Vitae
AbstractIn addition to its barrier function, the skin is an important immune organ that responds to foreign antigens and stimuli. We discovered inducible skin-associated lymphoid tissue (iSALT), which forms during skin inflammation, deepening our understanding of local immune responses. We proposed that atopic dermatitis (AD) consists of three key elements: barrier disruption, allergic inflammation, and pruritus, and based on this concept, developed new therapeutic approaches. The topical JAK inhibitor delgocitinib shows remarkable effects in barrier repair and inflammation suppression, while the IL-31 receptor antibody nemolizumab demonstrates significant efficacy in controlling itch. In this lecture, we will introduce immune responses and regulatory mechanisms in inflammatory skin diseases with a focus on AD, discuss Th2 cytokine and barrier molecule regulation, present immune cell dynamics analysis using two-photon excitation microscopy, and explore perspectives from basic research to therapeutic development. Curriculum Vitae
|
| 11:20-11:30 |
QA
|
| 11:30-13:00 |
Lunch Break
|
| Advanced Seminar | |
|---|---|
| 13:00-13:20 |
Plenary Lecture
Overview of Immune Therapy Atsushi Kumanogoh, M.D., Ph.D. President, The University of Osaka |
| 13:20-14:10 |
Abstract / Curriculum Vitae
AbstractSystemic autoimmune diseases have long been considered intractable disorders. However, advances in elucidating key players in the pathogenesis such as cell surface antigens, cytokines, and signaling molecules along with genome-wide association studies identifying disease-related genes have clarified molecular targets for therapy. Furthermore, the advent of molecularly targeted drugs is enabling a shift away from treatments centered on glucocorticoids which are non-specific and associated with numerous side effects toward selective therapies aimed at specific target molecules. Against this backdrop, revisions to guidelines and treatment recommendations are underway for many conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. At the same time, new developments are emerging to address remaining challenges such as long-term safety, cost-effectiveness, medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic, refractory cases, organ damage, drug discontinuation after remission, and optimal use of therapeutic agents. Moreover, therapies such as CAR-T and T-cell engager approaches hold the potential to induce immune system reconstitution raising hopes for achieving true cures. Curriculum Vitae
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| 14:10-14:20 |
QA
|
| 14:20-15:10 |
Abstract / Curriculum Vitae
AbstractCancer cells are thought to survive by skillfully evading the immune system. Among these immune evasion mechanisms, immune checkpoint molecules such as PD-1 and CTLA-4 play a critical role. Immune checkpoint inhibitors that block these molecules activate immune responses against cancer cells and exert therapeutic effects. In some cases, patients appear to be “cured,” but such outcomes remain rare, and extensive research is underway to enhance efficacy. For example, studies are exploring drugs targeting other immune checkpoint molecules and agents aimed at suppressive cells such as regulatory T cells. Our research has focused on metabolic dysfunction in immune cells, revealing that abnormal mitochondria can transfer from cancer cells to immune cells, effectively “hijacking” them and impairing metabolism, which reduces the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, cell therapies that involve artificially creating and expanding cancer-fighting cells and reinfusing them into the body have shown proven benefits. We hope that these advances will usher in an era where even advanced cancers can be truly cured. Curriculum Vitae
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| 15:10-15:20 |
QA
|
| 15:20-15:35 |
Break
|
| 15:35-16:25 |
Abstract / Curriculum Vitae
AbstractResearch and development of genetically engineered immune cell therapies are rapidly advancing as cutting-edge immunotherapies for refractory cancers. In particular, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, which involves introducing CAR genes into T cells, has demonstrated remarkable therapeutic efficacy against hematologic malignancies and is already in clinical use. However, many challenges remain, including unique adverse events, a relatively high rate of relapse, and insufficient efficacy in solid tumors. This lecture will provide an overview of the current status and challenges of these advanced cancer immunotherapies and discuss the future prospects of genetically engineered immune cell therapies, including next-generation CAR-T cell approaches. Curriculum Vitae
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| 16:25-16:35 |
QA
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| 16:35-16:40 |
Closing Address
Atsushi Kumanogoh, M.D., Ph.D. Planner of the 48th Sysmex Scientific Seminar |
About
Sysmex Scientific Seminar is an annual seminar held by Sysmex Corporation, with the aim of contributing to medical care. In recent years, basic, laboratory, and clinical medicine have come closer together, and the speed of change has been accelerating.
In line with this change, the seminar has been focusing on medical research that is closely related to our business domain of clinical testing. A wide range of topics is covered in the seminar, including bone marrow medical science, autoimmune diseases, genetic testing, regenerative medicine, and more.
We will continue our efforts to provide up-to-date information that will enable you to experience the progress of today's medical science.
Sysmex Scientific Seminar is a purely academic seminar devoid of corporate PR. Over the past 47 years, more than 60,000 people have participated in the event, which has also been live-streamed overseas. People from 22 countries have watched the event.
Archives
On the Sysmex Scientific Seminar Member's page, you can watch videos of past Sysmex Scientific Seminars and download PDF versions of the texts.
If you wish to view the videos, please click "Seminar videos/Textbook PDF" to proceed to the registration form.
47th (2025) Sysmex Scientific Seminar
Genomic Variations Associated with Aging and the Origin of Cancer
Interview with Seishi Ogawa
(Planner, 47th Sysmex Scientific Seminar)
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- The Origin and Significance of Somatic Mosaicism: Continuous Remodeling of the Body by Diverse Mutant Clones
- Nobuyuki Kakiuchi, M.D., Ph.D.
Program-Specific Associate Professor, The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research/Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University
- 1.Somatic Mosaicism in Esophagus, Pharynx, and Buccal Mucosa
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Akira Yokoyama, M.D., Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Kyoto University Hospital
- 2.Somatic Mutations in Cancer-Associated Genes in Normal Human Endometrium: Considerations on Prevention and Treatment of Gynecological Diseases including Cancer and Infertility
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Hirofumi Nakaoka, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Data Science, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences
- 3.Evolutionary Histories of Breast Cancer and Related Clones
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Tomomi Nishimura, M.D., Ph.D.
Deputy Director, Department of Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Fukui Hospital
- 4.Smoking and Somatic Mosaicism in Normal Bronchial Epithelium
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Kenichi Yoshida, M.D., Ph.D.
Chief, Division of Cancer Evolution, National Cancer Center Research Institute