TRPV1‑mediated central sensitisation: Core mechanisms of migraine chronification and novel targeted therapeutic strategies (Review)

Migraines are highly prevalent and disabling neurological disorders. Central sensitisation constitutes the core pathophysiological basis for its recurrent and chronic nature. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), a key molecule in pain signalling, is not only involved in peripheral nociception, but is also highly expressed in central pain‑processing regions. TRPV1 directly contributes to the initiation and maintenance of central sensitisation, positioning it as a promising therapeutic target for migraine management. The present review systematically summarised the biological characteristics of TRPV1 and its associations with central sensitisation and migraines. The molecular mechanisms through which TRPV1 mediates central sensitisation are elaborated upon, including the regulation of neurotransmitter release, activation of glial cells, involvement in inflammatory responses and modulation of synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, the research progress and clinical challenges of TRPV1‑targeted strategies are discussed, including antagonists, agonists and genetic regulation. Lastly, the present study proposes future research directions at both basic and clinical levels, providing a novel molecular perspective on migraine pathogenesis and establishing a theoretical foundation for the development of targeted clinical therapies.