VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
Mechanism of Action
Endogenous neuropeptide acting through VIPR1/VIPR2 receptors. Drives dendritic cells toward a tolerogenic phenotype and expands CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells, downregulates innate pro-inflammatory responses, and — via enteric VIP-producing neurons — helps maintain gut epithelial barrier function and microbiota homeostasis. Also implicated in mast cell activation and neurogenic inflammation through MRGPRX2-linked pathways.
Key Benefits
- Regulatory T-cell induction and immune tolerance signaling
- Anti-inflammatory effects across innate and adaptive immunity
- Gut epithelial and microbiome homeostasis support via enteric neurons
- Studied as the closing step in structured biotoxin/CIRS recovery protocols
Dosing Protocol
Distinguish VIP's academic immunology literature (Treg induction, gut-brain signaling) from its intranasal use in mold-illness communities — the latter is a practitioner protocol convention (Shoemaker CIRS protocol), not a dosing regimen backed by controlled trials.
Ideal Candidates
Research interest in immune tolerance or the gut-brain axis; or as a late-stage step in a structured biotoxin-illness protocol under practitioner guidance.
Side Effects & Safety
Flushing, hypotension, or GI upset reported with systemic (IV) VIP administration; intranasal community dosing is far lower and generally well-tolerated. Controlled human data for the intranasal CIRS-protocol use case specifically is limited.
Regulatory Status
Gray AreaNot on the 503A bulks list. A synthetic VIP analog (aviptadil) has been studied as an investigational drug for unrelated indications, but VIP itself carries no FDA approval for immune or biotoxin-illness use. Educational reference only.
Evidence & Citations
- Delgado M, Ganea D. Anti-inflammatory neuropeptides: a new class of endogenous immunoregulatory agents. Brain Behav Immun. 2008;22(8):1146-51.
- Chorny A, Gonzalez-Rey E, Ganea D, Delgado M. Vasoactive intestinal peptide generates CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in vivo: therapeutic applications in autoimmunity and transplantation. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2006;1070:190-5.
- Lei C, Sun R, Xu G, et al. Enteric VIP-producing neurons maintain gut microbiota homeostasis through regulating epithelium fucosylation. Cell Host Microbe. 2022;30(10):1417-1434.
- Kumaran MS, Kaur S, Parsad D, Narang T. The Neuropsychological Dimensions to Pathogenesis of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Beyond Autoallergy - A Brief Narrative Review. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2025;17(1):3-9.
Frequently asked
What is VIP?+
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a peptide studied for immune tolerance and gut-brain axis. Endogenous neuropeptide acting through VIPR1/VIPR2 receptors. Drives dendritic cells toward a tolerogenic phenotype and expands CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells, downregulates innate pro-inflammatory responses, and — via enteric VIP-producing neurons — helps maintain gut epithelial barrier function and microbiota homeostasis. Also implicated in mast cell activation and neurogenic inflammation through MRGPRX2-linked pathways.
What is the dosing protocol for VIP?+
Literature commonly references 50 mcg intranasal, 1 spray/nostril (low) to 50 mcg intranasal, 3–4x/day (maintenance) via Intranasal, on a 4–12 weeks, typically as the final phase of a longer protocol cycle. Educational reference only — a licensed Stackhaus Health provider sets any personalized protocol.
What is the regulatory status of VIP?+
Not on the 503A bulks list. A synthetic VIP analog (aviptadil) has been studied as an investigational drug for unrelated indications, but VIP itself carries no FDA approval for immune or biotoxin-illness use. Educational reference only.
Where can I access VIP?+
Research-grade VIP is available through Stackhaus Research. For a personalized, provider-reviewed protocol, consult a licensed clinician through Stackhaus Health.