VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) for Immune & Neurological Support — Immunity
Neuropeptide that modulates immune response, reduces neuroinflammation, and treats Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
Overview
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide with broad immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. VIP acts through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors expressed on immune cells, neurons, and epithelial surfaces. It is a central component of the Shoemaker Protocol for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), a condition triggered by biotoxin exposure (mold, Lyme, etc.). Shoemaker et al. have published extensively on VIP's role in normalizing inflammatory markers (TGF-beta 1, MMP-9, MSH, VEGF) and improving pulmonary artery pressure in CIRS patients. Delgado et al. (Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2003) demonstrated VIP's potent anti-inflammatory effects through suppression of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and NF-kB pathways. VIP also shows neuroprotective properties in preclinical models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis. Intranasal VIP has been used clinically for CIRS, though large-scale RCTs are lacking. NOT FDA-approved for CIRS or neurological indications.
Indications
- Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) from mold/biotoxin exposure
- Neuroinflammation and neuroprotection support
- Immune dysregulation and chronic inflammatory conditions
- Pulmonary hypertension associated with CIRS
Mechanism of Action
Mold or biotoxin exposure triggers chronic innate immune activation with elevated TGF-beta1, MMP-9, and suppressed MSH/VIP
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) | 50 mcg per spray | 4 times daily (every 4-6 hours) | Standard Shoemaker CIRS protocol; must clear MARCoNS and normalize TGF-beta1 first |
| VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) | 50 mcg per spray | 2 times daily | Reduced frequency after initial 30-day protocol if markers normalize |
| VIP | 25-100 mcg | Once daily | Subcutaneous route used in research settings; less clinical data than intranasal |
Evidence Grade
GRADE C
Safety & Contraindications
- Not FDA-approved for CIRS or neurological uses; evidence is emerging
- May cause transient diarrhea, flushing, and hypotension (vasodilatory effects)
- Shoemaker Protocol requires specific lab markers before initiating VIP therapy
- Must address upstream CIRS markers (MARCoNS, TGF-beta1) before starting VIP
- Contraindicated if MARCoNS-positive (nasal staph colonization) - treat first
- Requires compounding pharmacy for intranasal preparation