Interleukin-31 and interleukin-31 receptor: New therapeutic targets for atopic dermatitis

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) is 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.