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

    October 2019
    Carolyn M. Walsh, Rose Z. Hill, Jamie Schwendinger-Schreck, Jacques Deguine, Emily C. Brock, Natalie Kucirek, Ziad Rifi, Jessica Wei, Karsten Gronert, Rachel B. Brem, Gregory M. Barton, Diana M. Bautista
    TLDR Neutrophils are important for causing chronic itch in atopic dermatitis, and blocking the CXCR3 receptor may reduce this itch.
    In 2019, a study using a mouse model for atopic dermatitis found that early neutrophilic infiltration in affected skin was responsible for initial itch responses. The researchers demonstrated that depleting neutrophils significantly reduced scratching behavior and other chronic itch indicators. They also discovered that neutrophils were necessary for producing itch-inducing chemokines like CXCL10. Inhibiting CXCR3, a receptor for CXCL10, also suppressed itch. The study suggested that targeting the CXCL10/CXCR3 pathway could be a potential treatment for itch associated with atopic dermatitis. However, the study faced criticism regarding the number of animals used, variations across different time points, and the persistence of increased neutrophil numbers into the chronic stage of the condition.
    Discuss this study in the Community →