Possible role of neutrophils in itch

Abstract

Interactions between keratinocytes, immune cells, and sensory nerve endings strongly influence the sensation of itch. Mast cells, eosinophils, and T cells are commonly mentioned as immune cells involved in itch, meanwhile the role of neutrophils in pruritus is rarely discussed. However, neutrophils are capable of producing and releasing a variety of pruritogens such as histamine, proteases (neutrophil elastase and cathepsin S), prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, and platelet-activating factor. The purpose of this review is to highlight the role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of several pruritic diseases, such as psoriasis, palmoplantar pustulosis, atopic dermatitis, malignant skin tumors (squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma), bullous pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis, chronic prurigo/prurigo nodularis, subacute prurigo, and prurigo pigmentosa.