VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) Mechanism of Action
How VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) works: receptor targets, signalling pathways, and molecular profile.
Broad Vasodilator and Immune Signal
VIP binds VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors distributed widely across the body, smooth muscle, immune cells, and the nervous system, producing vasodilation, bronchodilation, and smooth-muscle relaxation, alongside anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. This broad receptor distribution is why VIP research spans cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune contexts rather than a single narrow application.
Neuroimmune Signaling
Beyond its vasoactive effects, VIP is studied for neuroimmune signaling, regulating cytokine production and immune cell activity in ways relevant to chronic inflammatory conditions. This has driven research interest in VIP for mold/biotoxin-illness and chronic inflammatory-response research protocols, though robust controlled human trial support for those specific applications is limited.