Dr Suzanne Pilkington

Overview

Based in the Centre for Dermatology my research is focused on immunology of skin health and ageing. I am interested in understanding how the immune component of the skin changes throughout the lifecourse and how the skin microenvronment impacts on immune cell behaviour. To do this I perform clinical studies in healthy individuals of various ages where we can measure skin function, and collect and analyse skin samples via a range of techniques. These include ex vivo skin explant studies, human primary skin cell culture and immunofluorescent staining of skin. In particular I am interested in understanding how the changing skin epithelia and stroma may influence Langerhans cells, mast cells and macrophage during ageing.

Recent work also involves examining the impact of menopause and hormone replacement therapy on skin function and immunology with a view to identifying early markers of ageing which can be targeted to promote skin health into older age.

In addition to my research, I have unit lead roles on Fundamentals of Skin Ageing, and Research Methods and Governance modules of the MSc in Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine, and I am programme director of the Dermatology pathway on the MRes in Experimental Medicine.