Peripheral Mechanisms of Mechanical Itch

Mechanical itch, which is defined as an itch sensation caused by innocuous mechanical force, may warn of the potential risk in the skin. The increased mechanosensitivity in sensory neurons may cause scratch-induced itch and promote the transition from acute itch to chronic itch. Recent studies have not only expanded our knowledge about the neuronal circuits in the CNS but have also highlighted the importance of the peripheral epithelia–immune–neuronal crosstalk in the development of mechanical itch. In this review, we will summarize related findings about the molecular and cellular mechanisms of mechanical itch in the skin. Mechanical itch, which is defined as an itch sensation caused by innocuous mechanical force, may warn of the potential risk in the skin. The increased mechanosensitivity in sensory neurons may cause scratch-induced itch and promote the transition from acute itch to chronic itch. Recent studies have not only expanded our knowledge about the neuronal circuits in the CNS but have also highlighted the importance of the peripheral epithelia–immune–neuronal crosstalk in the development of mechanical itch. In this review, we will summarize related findings about the molecular and cellular mechanisms of mechanical itch in the skin.