摘要The anterior cingulate cortex(ACC)has recently been proposed as a key player in the representation of itch stimuli.However,to date,little is known about the contribu-tion of specific ACC interneuron populations to itch process-ing.Using c-Fos immunolabeling and in vivo Ca2+imaging,we reported that both histamine and chloroquine stimuli-induced acute itch caused a marked enhancement of vasoac-tive intestinal peptide(VIP)-expressing interneuron activity in the ACC.Behavioral data indicated that optogenetic and chemogenetic activation of these neurons reduced scratch-ing responses related to histaminergic and non-histaminergic acute itch.Similar neural activity and modulatory role of these neurons were seen in mice with chronic itch induced by contact dermatitis.Together,this study highlights the importance of ACC VIP+neurons in modulating itch-related affect and behavior,which may help us to develop novel mechanism-based strategies to treat refractory chronic itch in the clinic.