Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are life-threatening diseases requiring new effective treatments. Our group previously identified necroptosis as a key form of cell death in lesional skin. To develop novel therapeutics that inhibit necroptosis, we established a screening system using a compound library of over 200,000 molecules. Experiments in SJS/TEN model cells and mice demonstrated that the identified inhibitor effectively suppresses necroptosis, suggesting its therapeutic potential for SJS/TEN.

Researchers at Chiba University have identified a key molecule, CCL5, that plays a dual role in chronic kidney disease (CKD). While it protects specific kidney cells, it simultaneously worsens overall damage by promoting harmful inflammation. By developing treatments that precisely target the damaging effects of CCL5 without blocking its protective functions, scientists believe they could create smarter therapies to slow CKD progression and reduce the need for dialysis.

Nursing education plays a crucial role in shaping compassionate healthcare professionals, yet many universities in Japan rely heavily on standardized curricula, leaving little room for distinctive approaches. In a recent study, scientists examined Catholic universities’ nursing faculties to identify their unique characteristics. They found four core values—love for all people, wholeness in relation to God, resilience through suffering, and professional responsibility—demonstrating how Catholic social doctrine enriches nursing education.