Cowhage-evoked itch is mediated by a novel cysteine protease: a ligand of protease-activated receptors
Vemuri B Reddy, Aurel O Iuga, Steve G Shimada, Robert H LaMotte, Ethan A Lerner, Vemuri B Reddy, Aurel O Iuga, Steve G Shimada, Robert H LaMotte, Ethan A Lerner
Abstract
Cowhage spicules provide an important model for histamine-independent itch. We determined that the active component of cowhage, termed mucunain, is a novel cysteine protease. We isolated mucunain and demonstrate that both native and recombinant mucunain evoke the same quality of itch in humans. We also show that mucunain is a ligand for protease-activated receptors two and four. These results support and expand the relationship between proteases, protease-activated receptors, and itch.
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Source: PubMed