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Clinical and Molecular Allergy

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Review

Focus on the role of substance P in chronic urticaria

Authors: Gino A. Vena, Nicoletta Cassano, E. Di Leo, G. F. Calogiuri, Eustachio Nettis

Published in: Clinical and Molecular Allergy | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Emerging data have strengthened the importance of substance P (SP) as a proinflammatory mediator in human pathology. A role for SP in the pathogenesis of urticaria has long been hypothesized.

Methods

Literature data regarding the possible role of SP in chronic urticaria/chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) have been reviewed and summarized in this manuscript. This review is based on pertinent articles that were retrieved by a selective literature search in the PubMed database. Articles in English published up to July 2018 were taken into consideration.

Results

Recent studies in patients with CSU have demonstrated that circulating levels of SP are significantly elevated, in correlation with disease severity, and that SP-positive basophils are upregulated. SP has been shown to trigger degranulation in basophils derived from CSU patients. Moreover, SP can be involved in pseudoallergic reactions and may act as a histamine-releasing factor in a subset of patients with CSU. Current evidence suggests that the biological activity of SP can be exerted not only through the conventional NK-1 receptor but also through the recently identified Mas-related G protein-coupled receptors. MRGPRX2 can cause mast cell activation and has been found to be upregulated in the skin of patients with severe chronic urticaria.

Conclusions

Many findings seem to support the pathogenic involvement of SP in chronic urticaria/CSU. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of SP as a mediator in CSU pathogenesis and a potential new therapeutic target.

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Title: Focus on the role of substance P in chronic urticaria
Authors: Gino A. Vena
Nicoletta Cassano
E. Di Leo
G. F. Calogiuri
Eustachio Nettis
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Clinical and Molecular Allergy / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1476-7961
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12948-018-0101-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Focus on the role of substance P in chronic urticaria

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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