Researchers at a university in Japan have found that a certain protein, called endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1), plays a part in producing a cytokin, interleukin 31 (IL-31). IL-31 has been shown to make the itch feel itchy. Some previous research showed that in atopic dermatitis patients the levels of IL-31 in the body can be more than 10 times higher. Doctors are now looking to find a medicine that can inhibit the production of EPAS1, so less IL-31 is produced.
Eczema Blog