Canine IL-31: Uncovering the "culprit" behind canine itching

Canine IL-31: Uncovering the "culprit" behind canine itching

If your dog often scratches its skin, or even has redness, swelling, hair loss, etc., it may be suffering from atopic dermatitis (AD). And behind this, there is a key "pusher" - Canine IL-31 (canine interleukin-31). Today, let's unveil the mystery of this cytokine and see how it affects canine health.
What is IL-31?

IL-31 is a cytokine that belongs to the IL-6 interleukin family. It is mainly produced by helper type 2 (Th2) cells and is a single-chain molecule with a 4-helix structure. Since its discovery in 2004, the role of IL-31 in canine atopic dermatitis has gradually attracted attention.
The mechanism of action of IL-31 in canine diseases
1. Itching

IL-31 is a key cytokine that causes canine itching. It binds to the IL-31RA subunit on the surface of sensory nerve fibers, activates the OSMRβ subunit, and then upregulates the expression of TRPV1 and TRPA1 through signaling pathways such as JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT and MAPK-JNK/p38, enhancing neuronal excitability, thereby promoting the formation of late and chronic pruritus.
2. Aggravates skin inflammation

IL-31 is not only involved in the transmission of itch, but also activates immune cells (such as mast cells, eosinophils, etc.), releases inflammatory mediators, and further aggravates the skin inflammatory response. This interaction between nerves and immunity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.
The relationship between IL-31 and canine atopic dermatitis

Canine atopic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with genetic susceptibility, which is usually associated with the production of environmental allergen-specific IgE. Studies have shown that the severity of canine atopic dermatitis is positively correlated with circulating IL-31 levels. This means that the higher the IL-31 level, the more severe the itching and inflammatory symptoms of dogs may be.
Detection and treatment of IL-31
Detection

Detection of IL-31 levels in canine blood can help veterinarians diagnose atopic dermatitis more accurately. In addition, researchers have developed recombinant canine IL-31 (cIL-31) and anti-canine IL-31 monoclonal antibodies for the establishment of canine models for research.
Treatment

In 2016, a canine-derived therapeutic monoclonal antibody called Lokivetmab (trade name Cytopoint) was launched. This antibody can target and neutralize canine IL-31, has a rapid and effective antipruritic effect, and is effective for most dogs with atopic dermatitis. In addition, Lokivetmab has shown potential therapeutic value for other allergic skin diseases (such as cutaneous mastocytosis).

Conclusion

Canine IL-31, as a key itch-causing cytokine, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis. By deeply studying the mechanism of action of IL-31 and its related signaling pathways, scientists have developed targeted therapeutic drugs for IL-31, providing a more effective solution for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. If your dog is suffering from itching, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian in time to find out whether IL-31 testing and related treatment are needed to help your dog get rid of the "itch".