The Definitive Peptide Research Reference Guide — Compound Review

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Immune Research
Research Purposes Only

VIP

Master Immunomodulatory Neuropeptide & Circadian Rhythm Regulator

VIP — Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

Research Purposes Only. VIP is supplied by Purgo Labs strictly for qualified laboratory research use only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, nor for diagnostic, therapeutic, or cosmetic application. Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Overview

What is VIP?

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide produced throughout the nervous system, gut, and immune cells. It exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-12) and promoting regulatory T-cell differentiation. An inhaled form (Aviptadil) is FDA-approved for pulmonary hypertension.

Composition

Molecular Composition

Amino Acid Sequence
His-Ser-Asp-Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ile-Leu-Asn

VIP is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide (3,326.8 Da) belonging to the secretin/glucagon superfamily. It is produced by neurons in the enteric nervous system, hypothalamus, and throughout the peripheral nervous system, as well as by immune cells including T-cells and mast cells.

Mechanism of Action

How Does It Work?

VIP binds VPAC1 and VPAC2 G-protein coupled receptors, activating adenylyl cyclase and elevating intracellular cAMP. This activates PKA, which phosphorylates and inhibits NF-kB — the master transcription factor for pro-inflammatory cytokine production. VIP also promotes Foxp3+ regulatory T-cell differentiation and tolerogenic dendritic cell polarization.

"VIP is a master immunomodulatory neuropeptide that shifts immune responses toward tolerance and anti-inflammation through VPAC receptor signaling." — Delgado et al., Nature Reviews Immunology, 2004
So What Does This Actually Mean?
Plain English summary — no PhD required

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide that acts as a master anti-inflammatory signal throughout the nervous system, gut, and immune system. An inhaled form (Aviptadil) is FDA-approved for pulmonary hypertension.

What It Does

VIP binds VPAC receptors on immune cells, suppressing the NF-kB inflammatory cascade and blocking production of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also promotes regulatory T-cells and regulates circadian rhythms.

Why It Matters

Chronic inflammation drives autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration. VIP suppresses the NF-kB pathway while promoting immune tolerance — a uniquely powerful combination for inflammation research.

The Bottom Line

VIP is a pleiotropic neuropeptide with FDA approval (inhaled), Phase II/III clinical trial data for ARDS and COVID-19, and a well-characterized mechanism for suppressing chronic inflammation.

Signaling Pathways

Key Research Pathways

VPAC1/VPAC2 Receptor Signaling / cAMP Cascade

Binds VPAC1 and VPAC2 G-protein coupled receptors, activating adenylyl cyclase and elevating intracellular cAMP — the primary mechanism for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Suppression

Inhibits NF-kB activation in macrophages and dendritic cells, suppressing TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-12, and IFN-gamma production.

Regulatory T-Cell Induction

Promotes the differentiation of Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and tolerogenic dendritic cells, shifting immune responses toward tolerance.

Research Highlights

Key Findings from the Literature

  • FDA-approved inhaled form (Aviptadil) for pulmonary arterial hypertension
  • Phase II/III clinical trials for ARDS and critical COVID-19 (significant survival improvement)
  • Suppresses TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-12, and IFN-gamma through NF-kB inhibition
  • Promotes Foxp3+ regulatory T-cell differentiation (immune tolerance)
  • Key neurotransmitter in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (circadian rhythm regulation)
Researcher Notes

Important Research Context

VIP has been studied in clinical trials for pulmonary arterial hypertension (FDA-approved as Aviptadil), ARDS/COVID-19 (Phase II/III), and multiple sclerosis. A 2021 Phase II trial in critical COVID-19 patients showed significant improvements in respiratory function and survival.

VIP

Immune Research

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Technical Specifications

Peptide ClassNeuropeptide/immunomodulator (28 amino acids)
Molecular Weight3,326.8 Da
Regulatory StatusFDA-approved inhaled (pulmonary hypertension); research chemical (injectable)
Available Sizes2mg, 5mg vials
FormLyophilized powder
Purity≥99% (third-party tested)
Legal Status
Research Chemical

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Medical Disclaimer: All content on this site is for educational and research purposes only. Research peptides are not FDA-approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any peptide or supplement protocol. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.