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Substance P and neurokinin 1 receptor are new targets for the treatment of chronic pruritus *
Author(s) -
Ständer S.,
Yosipovitch G.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.18025
Subject(s) - tachykinin receptor 1 , substance p , medicine , receptor , neuropeptide , chronic pain , pharmacology , bioinformatics , biology , psychiatry
Summary Background Chronic pruritus is a distressing symptom associated with various dermatological conditions and systemic diseases. Current treatment options are often inadequate, resulting in impaired quality of life for many patients. An understanding of the underlying mechanisms of itch across pruritic conditions is important for development of effective, targeted treatments for chronic pruritus. Objectives To provide an overview of the pathogenesis of chronic pruritus, focusing on the role of substance P (SP) and neurokinin 1 receptor (NK 1 R) in itch signalling, and to describe data supporting NK 1 R antagonism as a potential strategy for the treatment of chronic pruritus. Methods A PubMed search was conducted to determine what data were available that investigated the role of SP and NK 1 R in itch signalling. Results SP is a neuropeptide that is a mediator of itch signalling. One of the target receptors for SP is NK 1 R, which is expressed in the central nervous system and on multiple cell types involved in the initiation and transmission of itch. Studies demonstrating that SP and NK 1 R are overexpressed across multiple chronic itch‐inducing conditions and that NK 1 R antagonism disrupts itch signalling and reduces itch provide a rationale for targeting this pathway as a potential treatment of chronic pruritus across multiple diseases. Conclusions A large and growing body of evidence, including recent phase II clinical studies of NK 1 R antagonists, demonstrate that SP and NK 1 R play an important role in itch signalling. Additional studies are ongoing to further evaluate the use of NK 1 R antagonists for the treatment of chronic pruritus.What's already known about this topic?Chronic pruritus has a significant impact on quality of life. Current treatment options for chronic pruritus are inadequate. Substance P (SP) and neurokinin 1 receptor (NK 1 R) have been shown to play a role in itch signalling, and may be a rational target for addressing chronic pruritus. NK 1 R antagonists are being evaluated as potential treatment for chronic pruritus.What does this study add?This review provides a compilation of the most up‐to‐date data elucidating the role of SP and NK 1 R in itch signalling, which supports targeting this pathway as a potential treatment of chronic pruritus. NK 1 R antagonism disrupts itch signalling and reduces itch. A summary of the latest data on NK 1 R antagonists in the treatment of pruritus is provided.