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Peptide Database

Immune research

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide): Research Overview

Naturally occurring neuropeptide with wide-ranging effects on blood vessels, gut and immune signalling.

Also known as vasoactive intestinal polypeptide · vasoactive intestinal peptide · Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide

Research use onlyStrongest evidence: review or meta-analysisReviewed
DatabaseReferences

What is VIP?

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide belonging to the glucagon/secretin superfamily. It is produced in many tissues including the gut, pancreas, and brain. VIP has potent vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. It binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, triggering cAMP-mediated signaling cascades.

What is VIP researched for?

  • VIP inhalation shows striking efficacy with increased mixed venous oxygen saturation and exercise capacity.
  • Dilates peripheral blood vessels through NO-dependent mechanisms above 100 pmol doses.
  • Coronary vasodilation with positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart.
  • Promising therapeutic target for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological disorders.
  • Potential therapeutic target being researched for ASD.
  • Produced in suprachiasmatic nuclei; involved in circadian regulation.
  • Promotes insulin secretion in glucose-dependent manner via VPAC2; low hypoglycemia risk.
  • Potent anti-inflammatory effects useful in IBD and autoimmune conditions.
  • Therapeutic potential for pulmonary and systemic sarcoidosis.

How does VIP work?

VIP binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 G protein-coupled receptors, activating adenylyl cyclase and increasing intracellular cAMP and PKA activity. This triggers phosphorylation of CREB and other transcription factors.

Reported targets: VPAC1, VPAC2

Pharmacokinetics

  • VIP's extremely short 1-2 minute half-life makes it impractical for routine clinical use - requiring constant infusions or multiple daily injections. Stabilized analogs (like stearyl-Nle17-VIP) are 100-fold more potent but rarely available outside research settings. Limited commercial development has restricted clinical availability despite strong research foundation.

References

  1. VIP as New Drug for Treatment of

    Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Journal of Clinical Investigation · 2003

    VIP inhalation showed striking efficacy with increased mixed venous oxygen saturation and exercise capacity.

  2. Therapeutic Potential of VIP and VPAC2 in Type 2 Diabetes Frontiers in Endocrinology

    2022

    VIP promotes glucose-dependent insulin secretion via VPAC2, reducing hypoglycemia risk.

  3. Therapeutic Potential of VIP in Neurological Disorders CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics

    2010

    VIP and receptors are promising therapeutic targets for AD, PD, and autism spectrum disorders.

  4. VIP Structure and Function for

    Therapeutic Applications Pharmacology & Therapeutics · 2011

    Comprehensive review of VIP receptor signaling and therapeutic applications.

    Review or meta-analysis

Common questions

Can VIP improve insulin secretion for diabetes without causing hypoglycemia?

Yes, VIP promotes glucose-dependent insulin secretion via VPAC2 receptors, meaning it only stimulates insulin when blood glucose is elevated. This glucose-dependent mechanism makes hypoglycemia risk very low compared to other insulin secretagogues, making VIP theoretically safer for diabetes support.