The function of BATF3 (basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor 3, ENSG00000123685) is as follows. AP-1 family transcription factor that controls the differentiation of CD8(+) thymic conventional dendritic cells in the immune system. Required for development of CD8-alpha(+) classical dendritic cells (cDCs) and related CD103(+) dendritic cells that cross- present antigens to CD8 T-cells and produce interleukin-12 (IL12) in response to pathogens (By similarity). Acts via the formation of a heterodimer with JUN family proteins that recognizes and binds DNA sequence 5'-TGA[CG]TCA-3' and regulates expression of target genes. {ECO:0000250, ECO:0000269|PubMed:10878360, ECO:0000269|PubMed:12087103, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15467742}.