Emerging role of interleukin-31 and interleukin-31 receptor in pruritus in atopic dermatitis

Allergy. 2018 Jan;73(1):29-36. doi: 10.1111/all.13239. Epub 2017 Jul 20.

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic or chronically relapsing, eczematous, severely pruritic skin disorder associated with skin barrier dysfunction. The lesional skin of AD exhibits T helper 2 (TH 2)-deviated immune reactions. Interleukin-31 (IL-31), preferentially produced from TH 2 cells, is a potent pruritogenic cytokine, and its systemic and local administration induces scratching behavior in rodents, dogs and monkeys. Recent clinical trials have revealed that administration of an anti-IL-31 receptor antibody significantly alleviates pruritus in patients with AD. In this review, we summarize recent topics related to IL-31 and its receptor with special references to atopic itch.

Keywords: T helper 2; atopic dermatitis; interleukin-31; interleukin-31 receptor; pruritus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / complications
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / metabolism*
  • Disease Management
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Interleukins / chemistry
  • Interleukins / genetics
  • Interleukins / metabolism*
  • Pruritus / complications
  • Pruritus / diagnosis
  • Pruritus / etiology*
  • Pruritus / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Interleukin / chemistry
  • Receptors, Interleukin / genetics
  • Receptors, Interleukin / metabolism*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • IL31 protein, human
  • IL31RA protein, human
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Interleukins
  • Receptors, Interleukin
  • endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1