A sensory neuron–expressed IL-31 receptor mediates T helper cell–dependent itch: Involvement of TRPV1 and TRPA1

F Cevikbas, X Wang, T Akiyama, C Kempkes… - Journal of allergy and …, 2014 - Elsevier
Background Although the cytokine IL-31 has been implicated in inflammatory and lymphoma-
associated itch, the cellular basis for its pruritic action is yet unclear. Objective We sought to
determine whether immune cell–derived IL-31 directly stimulates sensory neurons and to
identify the molecular basis of IL-31–induced itch. Methods We used immunohistochemistry
and quantitative real-time PCR to determine IL-31 expression levels in mice and human
subjects. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR, in vivo …