Erickson S, Heul AV, Kim BS. New and emerging treatments for inflammatory itch.
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2020;
126:13-20. [PMID:
32497711 DOI:
10.1016/j.anai.2020.05.028]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To summarize recent therapeutic developments for chronic pruritus with a focus on allergic and type 2 inflammatory pathways.
DATA SOURCES
Literature search of PubMed, industry websites, and review of the ClinicalTrials.gov database.
STUDY SELECTIONS
Peer-reviewed publications and public disclosures by industry relating to chronic pruritus pathophysiology and therapeutics.
RESULTS
Histamine and immunoglobulin E remain primary targets for the treatment of itch in the setting of chronic urticaria. More recently, blockade of type 2 immune cell-associated cytokines, including interleukin (IL) 4, IL-13, and IL-31, and the epithelial cell-derived cytokines, specifically IL-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin, has and is revolutionizing the treatment of chronic pruritic dermatoses, such as atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis. Other novel targets include histamine receptor 4, Janus kinases, κ-opioid receptor, neurokinin 1 receptor, and phosphodiesterase 4.
CONCLUSION
Advances in our understanding of the neuroimmunology of chronic pruritus have led to the identification of new therapeutic targets and the rapid development of cutting-edge clinical trials. Although incredible advances have already been made, chronic itch continues to be an area of great unmet need.
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