Neutrophils Promote CXCR3-Dependent Itch in the Development of Atopic Dermatitis

In 2019, a mouse study investigated the role of neutrophils in atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition. The researchers discovered that early neutrophil infiltration in affected skin initiated itch responses. When neutrophils were depleted, scratching behavior significantly decreased, and chronic itch indicators were reduced. The study also found that neutrophils are necessary for producing itch-inducing chemokines like CXCL10. Inhibiting CXCR3, a receptor for CXCL10, also suppressed itch. This suggested that targeting the CXCL10/CXCR3 pathway could potentially treat atopic dermatitis-associated itch. However, concerns were raised about the number of animals used and the variation across different time points in the study, and whether the increase in neutrophil number continues into the chronic stage of atopic dermatitis.