Biology subjects

Follansbee, T.

Publications and source records attributed to Follansbee, T..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

The role of the neutrophil receptor Mrgpra2 in the formation of itch in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD), or eczema, is estimated to affect more than 30 million people in the United States, with over 6 million have moderate or severe disease. Chronic pruritus is a common symptom and is one of most difficult to manage. Even though itch is a major component in the pathology of AD, the biological underpinnings are not fully understood. In the present manuscript we identify a role for the neutrophil receptor, Mrgpra2, in the development of AD hyperplasia and chronic itch in the mouse. The role of Mrgprs in the context of itch have provided a huge step in our understanding of pruritus and have led to the development of novel therapeutics. Here we provide new evidence for the involvement of Mrgpra2 in the development of AD. Here we show that genetic deletion of Mrgpra2 significantly reduces scratching behaviors, transepidermal water loss, epidermal thickening, and Tslp expression in AD.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2026

A basophil-specific GPCR mediates the immune response to helminth infection

Basophils are rare innate immune cells that contribute to type 2 immunity in allergy and parasitic helminth infection, yet the receptors governing their activation remain poorly defined. Here, we identify the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) Mrgpra6 as a basophil-specific gene that mediates the host response to helminth infection. Mrgpra6 expression is restricted to basophils in blood and lung and is uniformly expressed across the population. Knockout of Mrgpra6 impairs early innate immunity to invading helminths, resulting in increased larval burden, elevated mortality, and disrupted parasite progression within the host. Transcriptional profiling of FACS-sorted basophils during helminth infection reveals how Mrgpra6 shapes the basophil transcriptional landscape needed for effective host defense. Together, these findings identify Mrgpra6 as a functional regulator of basophil-mediated anti-helminth immunity.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2021

Descending inhibition of itch by neurokinin 1 receptor (Tacr1) -expressing ON cells in the rostral ventromedial medulla

The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is important in descending modulation of spinal nociceptive transmission, but it is unclear if the RVM also modulates spinal pruriceptive transmission. RVM ON cells are activated by noxious algesic and pruritic stimuli and are pronociceptive. Many RVM-spinal projection neurons express the neurokinin-1 receptor (Tacr1), and ON-cells are excited by local administration of substance P (SP). We hypothesized that Tacr1-expressing RVM ON cells exert an inhibitory effect on itch opposite to their pronociceptive action. Intramedullary microinjection of SP significantly potentiated RVM ON cells and reduced pruritogen-evoked scratching while producing mild mechanical sensitization. Chemogenetic activation of RVM Tacr1-expressing RVM neurons also reduced acute pruritogen-evoked scratching. Optotagging experiments confirmed RVM Tacr1-expressing neurons to be ON cells. We conclude that Tacr1-expressing ON cells in RVM play a significant role in the modulation of pruriceptive transmission.

neuroscience↗