Prof. Andrzej Słominski from the University of Alabama, USA, will join the Skin Ageing & Challenges 2025 Congress and will talk about Neuro-Immuno-Endocrinology of the Skin: How Environment Regulates Body Homeostasis.

The skin acts as a neuro–immuno–endocrine organ, integrating signals from the environment and communicating with the brain, immune system, and endocrine organs.

• Environmental stressors (UV light, microbes, pollutants, trauma) trigger local and systemic responses via hormones, cytokines, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters.
• The cutaneous Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal axis (HPA) mimics central stress-response pathways, producing ACTH, CRH, and cortisol locally.
• The skin communicates with the central nervous system via sensory nerves and modulates systemic functions through soluble mediators.
• Skin cells, including keratinocytes and immune cells, produce hormones and neuropeptides like α-MSH, β-endorphin, oxytocin, serotonin, melatonin, and endocannabinoid.
• The skin microbiome plays a bidirectional role, influencing neuroendocrine responses and being modulated by them in return.

The skin is far more than a passive barrier — it is an active, complex neuro–immuno–endocrine interface that regulates both local integrity and systemic allostasis. Its ability to sense and respond to environmental changes places it at the center of health regulation, with implications for treating dermatological and systemic diseases through targeted modulation of its neuroendocrine components.

Neuro–immuno–endocrinology of the Skin: A Central Regulator of Environmental Homeostasis

About Prof. Andrzej Słominski
Prof. Andrzej T. Slominski, M.D., Ph.D., is an Endowed Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). With over 30 years of experience in dermatology, dermatopathology, and skin biology, he has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications.

Research Interests:
Prof. Slominski’s research focuses on the neuroendocrinology of the skin, exploring how skin cells produce and respond to hormones and neurotransmitters. His work has led to the discovery of:

• Cutaneous expression of classical hypothalamic and pituitary hormones
• Serotoninergic and melatoninergic systems in the skin
• The role of the skin as a neuroendocrine organ
• Novel steroidogenic pathways, including those involving vitamin D and secosteroids

Professional Contributions:
Prof. Slominski has served in leadership roles within the International and Pan-American Pigment Cell and Melanoma communities, including positions as secretary/treasurer and council member of the PASPCR, secretary of the IFPCS, and member of the Steering Committee of the MSR.