In the world of biomedical research, the journey from discovery to patient impact can span long periods of time. Sometimes, even decades. For Dr. Thierry Nordmann, however, who began leading his own team at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in the beginning of 2025, the usual timeline was dramatically accelerated. Dr. Nordmann is part of an international team of researchers, led by Professor Matthias Mann from the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB) in Martinsried, Germany and Professor Lars French from the Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich (LMU) Klinikum, which has made a groundbreaking discovery. Their breakthrough unraveled the molecular mystery behind a rare and deadly skin disease called toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and has led directly to treatments that save lives.
Dr. Nordmann understands this disease not only as a scientist. He is also a senior physician in the Department of Dermatology and Allergology at the LMU Klinikum in Germany and knows TEN from firsthand experience with patients.
The science behind the breakthrough
At the heart of this medical triumph lies a cutting-edge technique known as Deep Visual Proteomics (DVP) that the team developed and published in 2022 [1]. DVP is a known novel workflow that integrates several advanced technologies:
- Tissue biopsy collection from affected patients.
- High-resolution microscopy to visualize cellular structures.
- AI-based image analysis to classify and identify specific cell types.
- Laser microdissection to isolate individual cells of interest.
- Ultra-sensitive mass spectrometry to analyze the protein composition of those cells.
- Data integration to map protein networks and signaling pathways.
- Clinical translation to guide therapeutic decisions.
In a nutshell, researchers use DVP to examine proteins in targeted single cells in a tissue without knowing before what proteins to expect. This technique allows researchers to zoom in on individual cells within tissue samples and map the proteins at play with unprecedented precision.
When we at Leica Microsystems claim our vision is to help customers to reveal the invisible and create a better and healthier world, this is a perfect example. Our single-cell precise Laser Microdissection instruments enabled an important part in the workflow to be able to analyze very specific cells which have been identified before in a tissue sample.
Spatial proteomics uncovers life-saving treatment for deadly skin disease
Using the DVP approach, Dr. Nordmann and his colleagues analyzed skin samples from patients diagnosed with TEN. What they found was striking: a hyperactivation of the JAK/STAT inflammatory pathway, a molecular cascade known to drive immune responses. This insight was more than academic—it pointed directly to a potential treatment.
JAK inhibitors, already approved for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and atopic dermatitis, emerged as a promising therapeutic option. After rigorous validation in preclinical models, the team treated seven patients critically ill with TEN using JAK inhibitors. The results were nothing short of extraordinary—all seven recovered fully and rapidly in the time since then more patients could be treated.
The human side of science
For Dr. Nordmann, the experience was deeply personal. “That was very satisfying both on a scientific level but also on a personal level. To see patients on the brink of death walk out of the hospital because of something we discovered—it’s the kind of moment every researcher dreams of,” he shared.
To see patients on the brink of death walk out of the hospital because of something we discovered—it’s the kind of moment every researcher dreams of.
This story is not just about scientific excellence; it’s about impact. It’s about how curiosity, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology can converge to change lives. And it’s a powerful reminder that behind every data point is a human being—someone’s child, parent, or friend—whose life may be saved by science.
“At Leica Microsystems, we are proud that our innovative solutions help improve human health every day,” according to Dr Annette Rinck, President of Leica Microsystems. “This particular case touched me deeply, so I shared it with all our global associates at a company meeting. I know that such results inspire everyone at Leica Microsystems to recognize the ultimate impact of our work. I would like to congratulate Dr. Thierry Nordman and the full team on their breakthrough results that have directly translated into life-saving treatments.”
The success of this project has already garnered international recognition, with the Deep Visual Proteomics workflow receiving awards for innovation in life sciences. The method made it to the front page of Nature Biotechnology, and was contributed to the selection of Spatial Proteomics as the method of the year 2024 by the Nature Methods magazine [2]. Furthermore, Dr. Thierry Nordmann was awarded the prestigious Oscar Gans Prize in 2025 for his groundbreaking research on severe skin reactions.
Dr. Nordmann sees still a huge potential in the newly developed method: “In comparison to other spatial modalities, we analyze the proteins which are really the molecular effectors of the cells. And we have a high chance of transforming the way we do science for medical purposes. I do believe that the range of diseases that we can understand better through proteomics is basically unlimited. I'm happy to be part of it and I think the future is really bright for Deep Visual Proteomics.“
