Abstract: 【Abstract】 Pruritus is one of the common symptoms in dermatology, markedly affecting patients' sleep, mood, and quality of life. Ion channels, as key links among the cutaneous immune system, keratinocytes, and sensory neurons, play important roles in the peripheral initiation, transmission, and central amplification of itch signals. This article systematically summarizes recent advances in research on ion channels involved in pruritus, with a particular focus on the coordinated signaling cascades mediated by transient receptor potential channels, voltage-gated sodium channels, and voltage-gated calcium channels in acute and chronic pruritus. Furthermore, it reviews the current status of development of drugs targeting these ion channels and discusses the challenges facing ion channel-targeted antipruritic therapies. Future studies should further elucidate the precise mechanisms of itch-associated ion channels and integrate patient stratification with precision drug delivery strategies, aiming to promote the development of precision interventions for the treatment of pruritus.

Key words: Pruritus, Ion channels, Transient receptor potential channels, Voltage-gated sodium channels, Voltage-gated calcium channels