Dora L. Vallejo – Ardila, Senior Medical Monitor/ Clinical Research Physician at Avance Clinical, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine: Shimon Sakaguchi and the Power of Immune Regulation.
This year’s Nobel Prize recognized Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi for the discovery of regulatory T cells (Tregs) — a breakthrough that reshaped how we understand immune tolerance and its role in cancer progression.
His work showed that tumors can exploit Tregs to suppress immune responses and evade destruction, revealing a key mechanism behind the immune-suppressive tumour microenvironment (TME).
In our recent research on colorectal liver metastases, we explored this same axis from a different angle — using the renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (RASi), captopril.
Our findings show that captopril:
– Significantly reduces metastatic tumour growth
– Increases CD3+ T cell infiltration, especially double-negative T cells (CD4⁻CD8⁻)
– Alters immune checkpoint expression (PD-1) on T cell subsets
While we did not directly target Tregs, the parallels are striking: captopril appears to reprogram the TME, potentially disrupting tolerance pathways and restoring immune activity – echoing Sakaguchi’s insight into how immune suppression fuels cancer.
Why this matters:
It reminds us that modulating the immune system isn’t just about activating T cells – it’s also about lifting the brakes. Whether through targeting Tregs, checkpoint molecules, or – as in our case – the renin-angiotensin system, we are finding new ways to unlock the immune system’s full potential against cancer.
To all the researchers, clinicians, and immunologists working at the interface of tumor biology and immune modulation:
– Keep asking bold questions.
– Explore unconventional pathways.
– Don’t be afraid to cross disciplines — that’s where the breakthroughs happen.
Let’s continue to turn fundamental discoveries into therapeutic innovation.”
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