Neuroimmunology of the Skin : Basic Science to Clinical Practice

Much anecdotal information has suggested an influence of psychology and the nervous system on immunity within the skin and the expression of inflammatory skin disorders. Recent years have seen an explosion of knowledge providing a scientific basis for important regulatory interactions between the nervous system, the endocrine system and the immune system within the skin. The results of recent investigations have important implications, not only for an understanding of cutaneous immunity, but also for the development of novel treatments for diseases involving abnormal inflammation or immune reactivity within the skin. This book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary review of the molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and clinical aspects of nervous system–immune system interactions within the skin. It includes contributions from leading world experts in these areas. The contents are relevant to both investigators and clinicians interested in the skin, its functions and its disorders.

From the reviews:

"Granstein and Luger boldly went where no one has gone before. ... they have successfully compiled a book which cuts across scientific disciplines, ranging from dermatology, immunology, neurobiology and psychology. ... it is a useful tool to comprehend how the psychological state – such as stress perception – triggers or aggravates skin diseases. ... The book gives valuable inspiration for both, basic scientists and clinicians, and future cross-cutting research endeavours as well as their clinical translation can be envisioned to arise from reading this book." (Petra Arck, Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, Vol. 7 (11), November, 2009)