What Is VIP?
VIP is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide belonging to the secretin/glucagon superfamily and closely related to PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide). It is distributed widely through the nervous system and peripheral tissues, where it acts as a signaling molecule with vasodilatory, neuroendocrine, and immune-regulating roles.
The VPAC1 And VPAC2 Receptor System
VIP signals primarily through two class B G-protein-coupled receptors, VPAC1 and VPAC2, which it shares with PACAP. Activation of these receptors raises intracellular cyclic AMP and engages PKA signaling. The two receptor subtypes have different tissue distributions, which helps explain why VIP’s effects range from vasodilation to fine control of immune-cell behavior.
In immunology research, VIP is studied as an anti-inflammatory signal: it is associated with shifting immune responses away from pro-inflammatory Th1/Th17 profiles and toward regulatory Th2/Treg profiles. In neuroscience research it is studied for neuroprotection, with VPAC2 signaling implicated in protecting neurons in several model systems.
- VIP is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide related to PACAP.
- Signals through the VPAC1 and VPAC2 class B GPCRs via cAMP/PKA.
- Studied as an anti-inflammatory signal (Th1/Th17 down, Th2/Treg up).
- Studied for neuroprotection, with VPAC2 implicated in neuronal protection.
Research Context And Handling
VIP appears in immunology, autoimmune-model, and neuroprotection research. Common in vitro readouts include cAMP accumulation assays at VPAC1/VPAC2, cytokine and T-cell-subset profiling, and neuronal-survival models. As with any Research Use Only compound, verified identity and purity, appropriate storage, and interpretation against the primary literature are essential. It is supplied strictly for laboratory research and not for human or animal use.
Research Use Only: This guide is informational and describes research-context handling of compounds intended strictly for in vitro laboratory research. Products are not for human or animal consumption, ingestion, or injection, and are not FDA-approved. Nothing here is medical, clinical, or dosing advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VIP?
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide related to PACAP. It acts across the nervous, vascular, and immune systems and is studied today mainly for its immunomodulatory and neuroprotective activity.
How does VIP work?
VIP signals through the VPAC1 and VPAC2 class B G-protein-coupled receptors, raising intracellular cAMP and engaging PKA signaling. Different tissue distributions of the two receptors underlie its range of effects.
What is VIP studied for?
It is studied as an anti-inflammatory signal that shifts immune responses from Th1/Th17 toward Th2/Treg, and for neuroprotection with VPAC2 implicated in protecting neurons. VIP is a Research Use Only compound for in vitro laboratory research.