PARIS - Itching caused by sunburn, poison ivy and poison oak is stopped by immune cells called mast cells, according to a paper published on Sunday in the journal Nature Immunology.
A team led by Stephen Galli of Stanford University School of Medicine, California, made the discovery among mice that were genetically engineered to lack these cells, which are key intermediaries in the immune response.
Mast cells secrete interleukin 19 (IL-10), a molecule which suppresses immune processes that can cause rash, inflammation and blistering.
The finding could eventually lead to less painful treatment for damaged or irritated skin, the researchers hope.
09/02/2007 17:00 GMT