On the morning of October 30, Professor Vishva DIXIT, Member of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, Foreign Member of the Royal Society, and recipient of the 2026 World Laureates Prize in Life Science or Medicine, visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University for a rewarding academic tour on campus. The event was co-hosted by the Graduate School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the World Laureates Association Foundation, and undertaken by the School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the National Center for High-Level Talent Training in Biology.

As the highlight of his visit, Professor Vishva DIXIT delivered a fascinating lecture entitled Why so Many Ways to Die? at the 306th session of SJTU’s Master Forum in the Lecture Hall of the Tsung-Dao Lee Library, attracting more than 300 faculty members and students from across the university. The lecture was moderated by Associate Professor Zehan Hu, Assistant to the Dean of the School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology.

Professor Vishva DIXIT’s team has long focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying cell death and inflammatory signaling. In his lecture, he systematically described the release pathways of signal-peptide-less cytokines (including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18 and IL-33). Upon activation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), caspase-11 cleaves GSDMD to trigger pore formation, pyroptosis and the subsequent release of cytokines such as IL-1β. Building on this, his team further identified NINJ1, a critical transmembrane protein that forms large pores on the plasma membrane of dying cells to accelerate cellular lysis. This discovery offers a fresh perspective for understanding the execution machinery of cell death.

During the Q&A session, faculty and students raised enthusiastic questions on topics including the mechanisms of pyroptosis, the functions of NINJ1 and the diversity of cell death. Professor Vishva DIXIT responded to each question and engaged in in-depth discussions with the audience. The session was filled with vibrant energy and rigorous academic deliberation.

At the closing of the event, on behalf of the university, Associate Professor Zehan Hu presented Professor Vishva DIXIT with a souvenir and a Master Forum certificate, extending sincere gratitude and respect for his sharing of cutting-edge research findings.

During his campus visit, Professor Vishva DIXIT toured the SJTU History Museum to learn about the university’s century-long development. He also took a stroll across the Minhang Campus, experiencing firsthand the profound academic and cultural ethos of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

During this visit, Professor Vishva DIXIT also had lunch with faculty and student representatives from the School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, the School of Medicine, and the School of Pharmacy. They engaged in cordial face-to-face exchanges covering research careers and cutting-edge academic advances. The luncheon was held in a relaxed and congenial atmosphere. The representatives had in-depth discussions with Professor DIXIT about their respective research directions. Professor DIXIT shared his research journey and insights, which greatly benefited all participants.