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

Posted on by skin_challenges

Prof. Andrzej T. Slominski et al. published an excellent paper titled “Neuro–immuno–endocrinology of the skin: how environment regulates body homeostasis” in Nature Reviews Endocrinology (2025). This review highlights the pivotal role of the skin as an integrative neuro–immuno–endocrine organ that not only serves as a protective barrier but also actively participates in systemic regulation.

Key Points from the Paper:
• The skin integrates neural, immune, and endocrine functions and communicates with the brain and internal organs via hormones, neurotransmitters, and immune signals.
• It contains local equivalents of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, capable of producing CRH, ACTH, and cortisol to manage stress and maintain homeostasis.
• Environmental stressors such as UV radiation, trauma, pollution, and microbes are detected by skin cells and sensory nerves, triggering a cascade of neuroendocrine and immune responses.
• The skin microbiome interacts bidirectionally with neuroendocrine circuits, influencing local immunity, hormone metabolism, and barrier function.
• The cutaneous production of hormones (e.g., α-MSH, melatonin, serotonin, vitamin D derivatives) contributes to local and systemic immune regulation and influences mood, energy balance, and stress resilience.

Conclusions:
• The skin operates as a central environmental sensor, capable of anticipating and adapting to external changes through allostasis—a dynamic form of physiological regulation.
• These skin-derived signals modulate not only local tissue responses but also impact brain function, endocrine organs, and systemic immunity.
• Understanding the neuro–immuno–endocrine roles of the skin opens new avenues for therapeutic strategies targeting inflammatory, autoimmune, neurodegenerative, and even mood disorders.

Prof. Andrzej T. Slominski will be one of the important speakers during the Skin Ageing & Challenges 2025 Congress.

Reference:

Slominski, R. M., Chander, R., Jetten, A. M., & Slominski, A. T. (2025). Neuro–immuno–endocrinology of the skin: how environment regulates body homeostasis. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-025-01107-x

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