- Home
- Knowledge Base
- References
The molecular basis for IL-31 production and IL-31-mediated itch transmission: from biology to drug development
Kunimura K, Fukui Y (2021) The molecular basis for IL-31 production and IL-31-mediated itch transmission: from biology to drug development. Int Immunol 33(12):731-736. doi: 10.1093/intimm/dxab065
Objective: To investigate the molecular mechanisms of how IL-31 is produced in helper T cells upon stimulation and transmits the itch sensation to the brain.
Summary: This review highlights recent findings that show the functional significance of endothelial PAS domain 1 (EPAS1) and neurokinin B (NKB) in the IL-31-induced itch sensation.
Usage: Neurons expressing the Nppb receptor were specifically ablated by intrathecal injection of Nppb-SAP. Treatment with Bombesin-SAP reduced IL-31-induced scratching.
Related Products: Bombesin-SAP (Cat. #IT-40), Nppb-SAP (Cat. #IT-69)
GRPR/extracellular signal-regulated kinase and NPRA/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways play a critical role in spinal transmission of chronic itch
Liu X, Wang Y, Tao T, Zeng L, Wang D, Wen Y, Li Y, Zhao Z, Tao A (2021) GRPR/extracellular signal-regulated kinase and NPRA/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways play a critical role in spinal transmission of chronic itch. J Invest Dermatol 141(4):863-873. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.09.008
Summary: This study investigates whether there are certain key signaling molecules downstream of the recently identified peptides mediating itch in the spinal cord. Bombesin-SAP completely abolished extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. ERK was the most highly activated by their agonists BNP (Nppb, brain-derived natriuretic peptide) and octreotide. Nppb-SAP only partially reduced pERK in cervical spinal cord.
Related Products: Bombesin-SAP (Cat. #IT-40), Nppb-SAP (Cat. #IT-69)
BNP facilitates NMB-mediated histaminergic itch via NPRC-NMBR crosstalk
Meng QT, Liu XY, Liu XT, Barry DM, Jin H, Sun Y, Yang Q, Wan L, Jin JH, Shen kF, Munanairi A, Kim R, Yin J, Tao A, Chen ZF (2021) BNP facilitates NMB-mediated histaminergic itch via NPRC-NMBR crosstalk. bioRxiv 2021.01.26.428310. doi: 10.1101/2021.01.26.428310
Related Products: Nppb-SAP (Cat. #IT-69), Blank-SAP (Cat. #IT-21)
Molecular genetics of kappa opioids in pain and itch sensations
Tseng PY, Hoon MA (2020) Molecular genetics of kappa opioids in pain and itch sensations. Handb Exp Pharmacol . doi: 10.1007/164_2020_397
Summary: The authors review the functions of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and its endogenous agonists dynorphins in modulating itch and pain. Nppb-SAP ablation of neurons expressing the Natriuretic olypeptide B receptor greatly reduced itch responses evoked by histamine or by intrathecal administration of Nppb, suggesting that these neurons transmit itch signals from Nppb primary afferents.
Related Products: Nppb-SAP (Cat. #IT-69)
Spinal GRPR and NPRA contribute to chronic itch in a murine model of allergic contact dermatitis.
Liu X, Wang D, Wen Y, Zeng L, Li Y, Tao T, Zhao Z, Tao A (2020) Spinal GRPR and NPRA contribute to chronic itch in a murine model of allergic contact dermatitis. J Invest Dermatol 140(9):1856-1866.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.01.016
Objective: The authors investigated the peripheral and spinal mechanisms responsible for prolonged itch in a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) induced by squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE).
Summary: Targeting gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) and natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA) may provide effective treatments for ACD associated chronic pruritus.
Usage: A single dose of Bombesin-SAP (400 ng) and Blank-SAP (400 ng) or two doses of Nppb-SAP (BNP-SAP; 650 ng) and Blank-SAP (650 ng) were administered via intrathecal injection.
Related Products: Bombesin-SAP (Cat. #IT-40), Nppb-SAP (Cat. #IT-69), Blank-SAP (Cat. #IT-21)
Intervening B-type natriuretic peptide signaling for controlling chronic itch.
Meng J, Chen W, Wang J (2020) Intervening B-type natriuretic peptide signaling for controlling chronic itch. Brit J Pharmacol 177(5):1025-1040. doi: 10.1111/bph.14952
Objective: Review of recent findings used to examine the role of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in itch transduction and the modulation of other pururitic proteins.
Summary: Mice treated with Nppb-SAP ablated 70% of the BNP receptor-positive neurons in the spinal cord.
Related Products: Nppb-SAP (Cat. #IT-69)
See Also:
Identification of a spinal circuit for mechanical and persistent spontaneous itch.
Pan H, Fatima M, Li A, Lee H, Cai W, Horwitz L, Hor CC, Zaher N, Cin M, Slade H, Huang T, Xu XZS, Duan B (2019) Identification of a spinal circuit for mechanical and persistent spontaneous itch. Neuron 103(6):1135-1149.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.06.016
Objective: To identify a spinal circuit for mechanical and persistent spontaneous itch.
Summary: Findings indicate excitatory interneurons expressing Urocortin 3::Cre (Ucn3+) in the dorsal spinal cord as a valid cellular target for future therapeutic interventions against chronic itch, without affecting normal touch.
Usage: To ablate spinal GRPR+ neurons, mice were given a single intrathecal injection of either Bombesin-SAP or Blank-SAP (400 ng in 10 mL sterile saline). To ablate spinal Npra+ neurons, mice were given a single intrathecal injection of either Nppb-SAP or Blank-SAP (5 mg in 10 mL sterile saline).
Related Products: Bombesin-SAP (Cat. #IT-40), Nppb-SAP (Cat. #IT-69), Blank-SAP (Cat. #IT-21)
Selective role of neurokinin B in IL-31–induced itch response in mice.
Sakata D, Uruno T, Matsubara K, Andoh T, Yamamura K, Magoshi Y, Kunimura K, Kamikaseda Y, Furue M, Fukui Y (2019) Selective role of neurokinin B in IL-31–induced itch response in mice. J Allergy Clin Immunol 144(4):1130-1133. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2019.06.031
Objective: To examine the physiological significance of neurokinin B in IL-31–induced itch sensation.
Summary: IL-31–induced scratching was unaffected by intrathecal injection of Nppb-SAP. In contrast,treatment with Bombesin-SAP reduced IL-31–induced scratching. Neurokinin B acts upstream of GRP to transmit IL-31–induced itch sensation.
Usage: Intrathecal injection
Related Products: Bombesin-SAP (Cat. #IT-40), Nppb-SAP (Cat. #IT-69), Blank-SAP (Cat. #IT-21), NKB-SAP (Cat. #IT-63)
Spinal somatostatin-positive interneurons transmit chemical itch.
Fatima M, Ren X, Pan H, Slade HFE, Asmar AJ, Xiong CM, Shi A, Xiong AE, Wang L, Duan B (2019) Spinal somatostatin-positive interneurons transmit chemical itch. Pain 160(5):1166-1174. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001499
Objective: To further study the cellular identity of spinal interneurons that contribute to itch processing.
Summary: Findings reveal a novel spinal mechanism for sensory encoding of itch perception.
Usage: Npra receptor–expressing spinal cord interneurons were ablated through intrathecal injection of Nppb-SAP (5 μg/10 μL) or control Blank-SAP in lumbar segment 3 to 4. Behavioral analyses were performed 1 week after the toxin injection.
Related Products: Nppb-SAP (Cat. #IT-69), Blank-SAP (Cat. #IT-21)
Cross-talk between distinct receptors shapes itch behavior in the spinal cord.
Meng QT, Liu XY, Liu XT, Barry DM, Jin H, Yang Q, Sun Y, Wan L, Jin JH, Munanairi A, Kim R, Yin J, Tao A, Chen ZF (2018) Cross-talk between distinct receptors shapes itch behavior in the spinal cord. Neuron doi: 10.2139/ssrn.3249822
Summary: Consistently, Nppb-SAP ablated spinal Npr1 and Npr3 neurons and impaired histamine-, but not CQ-evoked, itch. Thus, the findings identify the role of BNP-NPRC signaling in modulation of histamine-evoked itch via NPRC-NMBR cross-talk independent of GRP-GRPR signaling. Our studies reveal distinct modes of action for bombesin-related peptides and NP in itch transmission.
Related Products: Nppb-SAP (Cat. #IT-69)