Specific β-defensins stimulate pruritus through activation of sensory neurons

Pruritus is a common symptom of dermatological disorders and has a major negative impact of quality of life. Previously, it was suggested that skin derived β-defensin peptides elicit itch through activation of mast cells. Here we investigated, in more detail, the mechanisms by which β-defensins induce itch by defining the receptors activated by these peptides in humans and mice, by establishing their action in vivo, and examining their expression in dermal diseases. We found in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, elevated expression of DEFB103 is highly correlated with skin lesions.
Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research