Sensing Inflammation at the Barrier

The Mariam B. Salzberger MD Memorial Award and Lectureship, established in 1983 to honor significant contributions to clinical medicine through basic science research, was awarded to Dr. Brian Kim for 2024. Dr. Kim's research focuses on skin inflammation and the sensation of itch, leading to over 150 peer-reviewed publications and significant advances in dermatological treatments, including the development of JAK inhibitors. In his presentation, he highlighted that itch is distinct from pain and has provided insights into sensory mechanisms and neuroimmunology. He discussed the discovery of specific cytokines, particularly interleukin-31, which elicit itch, and emphasized the evolution of understanding itch mechanics and related therapeutic strategies. Dr. Kim addressed how therapeutic agents like dupilumab and JAK inhibitors target not only inflammatory paths but also the neural circuits involved in itch sensation. He pointed out the intricacies of itch disorders, their connections to various diseases, and the efforts underway to develop targeted treatments that could revolutionize care for chronic pruritus and other conditions. Ultimately, his work at Mount Sinai aims to broaden the understanding of sensation both within and outside the body, positioning itch research as a pivotal area with broader implications for various medical fields.