Grant: DRA : Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS D)

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease affecting about 3% of people worldwide. While it causes inflamed, scaly skin, one the most distressing symptoms for patients is relentless itch. Up to 90% of people with psoriasis suffer from chronic itch, which disrupts sleep, affects mental health, and lowers quality of life. Recent research points to granzymes, proteins produced by immune and skin cells, as potential causes of itch. One in particular, granzyme K (GzmK), is found at high levels in the skin of psoriasis patients. GzmK can cause inflammation in the skin and may activate nerve cells that cause itch, yet its role in psoriasis is not well understood. This project will study how GzmK contributes to itch by examining its interactions with key skin proteins and nerve cells, as well as testing a new drug that blocks GzmK. By revealing how GzmK links skin damage, inflammation, and itch, this work may lead to new treatments for psoriasis, providing lasting relief and improving quality of life for millions of patients.