Interleukin-31 and interleukin-31 receptor–new therapeutic targets for atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by chronic, eczematous, severe pruritic skin lesions caused by skin barrier dysfunction and T helper (Th)2 cell–mediated immunity. Interleukin (IL)-31 is a potent pruritogenic cytokine primarily produced by Th2 cells. Both IL-31 transgenic mice and wild-type mice treated with IL-31 exhibit AD-like skin lesions and scratching behaviour. IL-31 receptor α-chain (IL-31RA) are also expressed in peripheral nerves and epidermal keratinocytes, and the roles of IL-31 on pruritus and skin barrier have been investigated. Recently, an anti–IL-31 receptor antibody was shown to significantly improve pruritus in AD patients. This review focuses on IL-31 and IL-31RA in AD.

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