VIP

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide belonging to the secretin/glucagon superfamily. Originally identified in the gut in 1970, VIP is now known to be widely distributed throughout the body, with high concentrations in the central and peripheral nervous systems, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It acts through two G-protein coupled receptors, VPAC1 and VPAC2, mediating diverse physiological effects.

VIP is one of the body's most potent endogenous anti-inflammatory molecules. It inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-12), promotes anti-inflammatory cytokine production (IL-10), and can shift immune responses from Th1 (pro-inflammatory) to Th2 (anti-inflammatory) dominant patterns. These immunomodulatory properties have made it a subject of research for autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders.

In clinical practice, VIP has gained particular attention through the work of Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker for treating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), a condition associated with biotoxin exposure from water-damaged buildings. Shoemaker's protocol uses intranasal VIP as a final step in CIRS treatment, with reported improvements in pulmonary function, inflammatory markers, and quality of life. While this application remains controversial and outside mainstream medicine, it has generated significant patient interest.

Research has also explored VIP for respiratory conditions including pulmonary arterial hypertension and sarcoidosis. An inhaled form of VIP (aviptadil) was investigated during the COVID-19 pandemic for ARDS treatment, receiving FDA emergency investigational new drug status. VIP's neuroprotective properties have been studied in models of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. The peptide's wide-ranging biological activities reflect its fundamental role in neuroimmune regulation and homeostasis.