Anthony Segal facts for kids

Anthony Segal, born on February 24, 1944, is a British doctor and scientist. He has made important discoveries about how our bodies fight off germs and what causes certain diseases.

Early Life and Education

Tony Segal grew up in Bulawayo, which is now part of Zimbabwe. He went to school there and then studied medicine at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. After finishing his medical studies, he worked as a doctor in South Africa before moving to London, England.

In London, he continued his medical training and worked in different hospitals, including the Hammersmith Hospital. He also studied biochemistry, which is about the chemical processes happening in living things.

A Career in Medicine and Science

Dr. Segal first worked as a specialist in gastroenterology, which focuses on the digestive system. However, he became very interested in how our body's defense system, called the immune system, works. He even started a special clinic for people with problems in their immune system.

In 1986, he became a professor at University College London (UCL) and led a center for molecular medicine. He held this important position until 2020. After that, he helped start a company called Imhotex, which aims to develop new medicines for Crohn's disease.

Dr. Segal has been recognized for his work. He became a founding member of the Academy of Medical Sciences and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very high honor for scientists. In 2014, he received a special award from UCL for his clinical science research.

Important Discoveries

Dr. Segal's research has focused on understanding how our immune cells, especially a type called neutrophils, kill bacteria and fungi. He has made several key discoveries:

Understanding NADPH Oxidase

He identified a special enzyme called NADPH oxidase. This enzyme helps certain immune cells create a substance called superoxide, which is important for fighting off germs. He also found that if there are problems with the genes that make this enzyme, it can cause a serious immune disease called Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD). People with CGD have a hard time fighting off infections.

How Immune Cells Kill Germs

Dr. Segal discovered that immune cells don't just use oxygen-related chemicals to kill germs. Instead, when the NADPH oxidase enzyme is active, it changes the environment inside the immune cell. This change helps other powerful substances, called proteases, to become active. These proteases then kill and digest the germs.

What Causes Crohn's Disease

He also studied Crohn's disease, which is a long-lasting condition that affects the digestive system. He found that a main reason for Crohn's disease is that the body's usual quick response to inflammation doesn't work properly. This means that when tiny bits of food or bacteria get into the lining of the bowel, the body can't clear them away effectively. This leads to ongoing inflammation and the symptoms of Crohn's disease.