Pharmacological targets for CGRP inhibition

The CGRP peptide exerts its influence by binding to a CGRP receptor and activating intracellular signalling pathways, such as the cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) pathway.^{[Levin et al., 2018]} By interacting with second-order neurons passing on a nociceptive signal, interacting with smooth muscle cells lining the cerebral artery, and interacting with inflammatory mediators such as mast cells, there are several potential points of intervention where anti-CGRP therapies might arrest migraine pathology.^{[Levin et al., 2018; Durham, 2004]}

References:
Durham PL. CGRP-receptor antagonists – a fresh approach to migraine therapy? N Engl J Med 2004; 350 (11): 1073–1175.

Levin M, Silberstein SD, Gilbert R, et al. Basic considerations for the use of monoclonal antibodies in migraine. Headache 2018; 58 (10): 1689–1696.