Vasoactive intestinal peptide: a neuropeptide with pleiotropic immune functions

Summary

This comprehensive review examined the immunoregulatory properties of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a 28-amino acid neuropeptide widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and immune cells. The review detailed VIP's potent anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, promotion of regulatory T-cell development, and modulation of Th1/Th2 balance.

Key Findings

• VIP inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-12, NO, chemokines) by macrophages through cAMP-dependent inhibition of NF-kB and IRF-1 transcription factors
• VIP promotes the generation of regulatory T cells and tolerogenic dendritic cells, contributing to peripheral immune tolerance
• VIP demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in multiple autoimmune disease models including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, collagen-induced arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease