Pruritus in the context of immune dysregulation and autoimmunity

Pruritus, a pervasive and distressing symptom, is increasingly recognized as closely intertwined with immune dysregulation and autoimmune processes. Beyond classic dermatological conditions such as atopic dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, and dermatomyositis, pruritus often signals underlying immune system disturbances, appearing in a range of systemic autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disorders. Growing evidence links inappropriate or aberrant immune responses to the generation and persistence of itch, with significant clinical and scientific attention now focused on elucidating the immunopathology underpinning chronic pruritus. Recent studies have uncovered pivotal roles for immune cells, cytokines, neuroimmune interfaces, and autoantibodies in mediating itch, revealing new disease connections, especially in populations with autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. Yet, critical questions remain regarding the full spectrum of immune mechanisms, the identification of disease-specific biomarkers, and optimal immunomodulatory therapies for pruritus.This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding of pruritus through the lens of immune system function and autoimmune pathology. The objective is to dissect the contribution of innate and adaptive immune pathways, identify and validate relevant biomarkers, clarify the involvement of neuroimmune interactions, and evaluate targeted therapeutic innovations aimed at modulating pathogenic immune responses. This includes the exploration of how autoimmunity, immunosenescence, or immune-mediated damage precipitate or perpetuate itch, as well as the clinical overlap between pruritus across dermatological and systemic autoimmune syndromes. Key questions to address include how specific immune mediators drive pruritus in different diseases, which immune pathways most strongly correlate with itch severity, and whether immune-targeting therapies can offer relief where current options fall short.To gather further insights into immune and autoimmune dimensions of pruritus, the scope of this Research Topic is limited to studies focusing on immune-related etiologies and responses while encouraging interdisciplinary perspectives from dermatology, immunology, and translational research. We welcome original research papers, clinical trials, reviews, translational studies and other submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Immune cell involvement and inflammatory cytokines in itcho Autoimmune skin diseases and systemic immune-mediated prurituso Neuroimmune crosstalk and pruritus pathogenesiso Autoantibodies and novel immune biomarkerso Age and ethnic differences in immune-driven prurituso Targeted immune therapies and biologicso Effects of immunosenescence and chronic inflammation in the elderlyo Experimental and translational models for immune-mediated itcho Quality of life and disease burden in autoimmune prurituso Advances in measurement tools for immune-driven pruritusTopic Editors Dr. Orfali and Dr. Aoki have previously participated in clinical trials for Abbvie and Sanofi as a PI/SI. Topic Editor Dr. Elmariah has been in receipt of honoraria for consulting from Sanofi, Regeneron, Celldex, Novartis, Bambusa, Galderma, Incyte, and Disc Medicine, and has acted as an investigator for Celldex and Galderma. Topic Editor Dr. Gonçalo has participated in clinical trails and/or advisory boards for Abbvie, Almiral, Biogen, astra-zeneca, Leo, Takeda, Novartis, Sanofi, and Pfizer. Topic editors: Raquel Leão Orfali, Sarina Elmariah, Valeria Aoki, Margarida Gonçalo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79581/pruritus-in-the-context-of-immune-dysregulation-and-autoimmunity