Did Researchers Just Solve Itchiness?

New research points to a signaling pathway that could explain many cases of itchiness on skin.
New research points to a signaling pathway that could explain many cases of itchiness on skin.
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Skin sensitivity is a key focus of contemporary skin care claims, generating a wide range of new ingredients and product innovations targeting redness and, of course, itching. New research from the journal Cell has now reportedly identified the V8 serine protease found in the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus as the instigator for skin itchiness.

According to the authors, V8 stimulates PAR1, or "proteinase-activated receptor 1," causing spontaneous itching and resulting itch-related skin damage.

The new report argues that, by inhibiting the signaling between V8 and PAR1, specifically "through genetic deficiency, small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown, or pharmacological blockade," itchiness can be largely resolved or even prevented.

Read the full report here. 

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