VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) antibodies are essential tools in studying the multifaceted roles of VIP, a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Discovered in 1970. VIP regulates diverse physiological processes, including vasodilation, immune modulation, and gastrointestinal secretion. Its involvement in neurotransmission, circadian rhythms, and inflammatory responses has driven interest in developing specific antibodies to map its expression, quantify levels, and dissect signaling pathways.
Early VIP antibodies were polyclonal, generated by immunizing animals with synthetic VIP conjugated to carrier proteins. While these enabled foundational studies, issues like batch variability and cross-reactivity with structurally similar peptides (e.g., PACAP) limited precision. Monoclonal antibodies later improved specificity, facilitating detailed localization via immunohistochemistry and ELISA-based quantification in tissues and biofluids. Modern recombinant antibody technologies further enhanced affinity and reproducibility.
Applications span neuroscience, immunology, and oncology. VIP antibodies help elucidate its dual pro- and anti-inflammatory roles in diseases like Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. In cancer research, they probe VIP's paradoxical effects on tumor growth and angiogenesis. Challenges remain in minimizing cross-species reactivity and optimizing detection in complex matrices. Ongoing efforts focus on engineering antibodies for therapeutic targeting of VIP pathways in metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders.