VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a naturally occurring 28-amino acid neuropeptide belonging to the secretin/glucagon superfamily of peptides. It is widely distributed throughout the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and immune cells, where it acts through two primary receptors: VPAC1 and VPAC2. VIP plays diverse regulatory roles across multiple physiological systems.
Researchers have studied VIP extensively for its potent vasodilatory and smooth muscle relaxation properties. In the cardiovascular system, research has examined its ability to reduce systemic vascular resistance and modulate pulmonary arterial pressure in preclinical models. Gastrointestinal research has explored VIP’s roles in regulating intestinal motility, secretion, and mucosal blood flow as a key component of the enteric nervous system.
Significant research attention has focused on VIP’s immunomodulatory properties. Studies have examined its ability to shift immune responses toward anti-inflammatory phenotypes by promoting regulatory T cell activity and suppressing Th1/Th17 responses. Research has explored VIP signaling in models of inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune conditions, and pulmonary hypertension. Additional studies have investigated VIP’s neuroprotective properties in neuroinflammation models, where it may modulate microglial activation and cytokine production in brain tissue.
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