BACKGROUND: IL-31 is a novel T-cell–derived cytokine that induces severe pruritus and
dermatitis in transgenic mice, and signals through a heterodimeric receptor composed of IL-
31 receptor A and oncostatin M receptor. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of human IL-31
in pruritic and nonpruritic inflammatory skin diseases. METHODS: The expression of IL-31
was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR in skin samples of healthy individuals and
patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Moreover, IL-31 expression was analyzed …