VIP

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide belonging to the secretin/glucagon superfamily, widely distributed across the central and peripheral nervous systems, gut, lung, and immune tissues. It signals through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, both coupled to adenylyl cyclase and cAMP elevation.

VIP has been studied for its potent vasodilatory, bronchodilatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties across multiple organ systems. Research has examined its role in gut motility, circadian rhythm regulation, anti-neuroinflammatory pathways, and pulmonary arterial hypertension models.

Type

28 amino acid neuropeptide · Secretin/glucagon superfamily

Research Areas

VPAC1/2 signalling, neuroinflammation, immune modulation

Gene

VIP gene (chromosome 6q25)

Active Forms

VIP(1-28) primary active form

Target

VPAC1, VPAC2 receptors (GPCRs)

Molecular Weight

3326.8 g/mol

Primary Function

Vasodilation, immune modulation, neuropeptide signalling

HPG Axis

Influences LH/FSH via hypothalamic circuits

Clinical Research

Pulmonary hypertension, IBD, neuroinflammation

1. 01VPAC1 / VPAC2 Receptor SignallingVIP activates VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors — G-protein coupled receptors coupled to adenylyl cyclase — increasing intracellular cAMP. Research has examined the differential expression of these receptor subtypes across CNS, gut, and immune tissues and their downstream effector pathways.
2. 02Neuroinflammation & Immune ModulationLaboratory studies have investigated VIP's anti-inflammatory properties in neuroinflammation models. Research proposes that VIP modulates microglial activation, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6), and upregulates anti-inflammatory mediators.
3. 03Vasodilation & Smooth Muscle ResearchVIP is a potent vasodilator studied for its effects on vascular smooth muscle relaxation. Research has examined its role in regulating pulmonary vascular tone, intestinal motility, and choroidal blood flow through VPAC receptor-mediated cAMP elevation.