GPR35 links a lipid metabolite to itch circuits in preclinical research
Published in Brain/Neurology, Drugs development & discovery, Immunology, Journals.
Published October 29, 2026.
A study identifies a sensory receptor linking a lipid metabolite to itch and inflammation. Wheeler and colleagues report the findings today in Communications Biology.
The researchers found that EKODE, an oxidized derivative of linoleic acid, activates Gpr35 in a subset of sensory neurons. Their experiments connect this signaling to an itch pathway involving the neuropeptide Nppb, also called brain natriuretic peptide.
Deleting Gpr35 from sensory neurons reduced EKODE-induced and psoriasis-associated itch and inflammation in mice. Pharmacological inhibition also reduced itch in mouse models of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
The team detected GPR35 expression in human sensory neurons, providing a reason to investigate translation. However, functional responses of human receptor variants and clinical effects remain to be established.
The work identifies a possible drug target rather than a demonstrated dietary treatment. It does not show that changing linoleic acid intake relieves chronic itch in patients, or establish the safety and effectiveness of GPR35 inhibition in humans.