Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide is a neuropeptide synthesized as a precursor that is processed to an active mature peptide of 28 residues. VIP is produced by neurons, endocrine, and immune cells and is expressed in many tissues, in agreement with its various biological functions. VIP acts through activation of two receptors belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor family, VPAC1 and VPAC2 and elicits several effects such as vasodilation, regulation of smooth muscle cell contractility, and blood flow in the gastrointestinal track. In addition, VIP is involved in the regulation of T cell differentiation, and in immunosuppression.
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