Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are important mediators of somatosensory signaling throughout the body. Our understanding of the contribution of TRPs to a multitude of cutaneous physiologic processes has grown substantially in the past decade. TRPV1, one of the better-understood members of this large family of ion channels, impacts multiple pathways involved in pruritus. Further, TRPV1 appears to play a role in maintaining skin barrier function. Together, these properties make TRPV1 a ripe target for new therapies in atopic dermatitis. Neurokinin antagonists may affect similar pathways and have been studied to this effect. Early trials data suggest these therapies are safe, but assessment of their efficacy in atopic dermatitis is pending as we await publication of phase II and III clinical trials data.

瞬态受体电位（TRP）离子通道是整个身体中体感信号传导的重要介体。在过去的十年中，我们对TRP对多种皮肤生理过程的贡献的了解已大大增加。TRPV1是这个大型离子通道家族中比较容易理解的成员之一，它会影响瘙痒的多种途径。此外，TRPV1似乎在维持皮肤屏障功能中起作用。这些特性共同使TRPV1成为特应性皮炎新疗法的成熟目标。神经激肽拮抗剂可能影响相似的途径，并且已经对此作用进行了研究。早期试验数据表明这些疗法是安全的，但由于我们正在等待II和III期临床试验数据的发表，因此尚需评估其在特应性皮炎中的疗效。