Basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor (Batf) aggravates central sensitization in nitroglycerin-induced chronic migraine mouse model.

Chronic migraine (CM) is a widespread neurological disorder with heterogeneous underlying causes. Basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor (Batf) can amplify neuroinflammatory responses, but therapeutic strategies targeting Batf in CM remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of Batf in a nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced CM mouse model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 cells. Batf and Iba-1 expression were enhanced in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) of NTG-induced mice. Batf knockdown mitigated NTG-induced central sensitization, decreased CGRP and c-Fos expression, and inhibited Iba-1, iNOS, IL-18, and IL-1β expression in TNC of NTG-induced mice. Furthermore, the NLRP3 inflammasome in TNC of NTG-induced mice was inhibited by Batf knockdown. Our results suggested that Batf knockdown attenuated central sensitization through mediating microglial activation via the NLRP3 inflammasome in the TNC of CM mice. Batf might be a candidate for migraine treatment.