VIP, PACAP, G protein-coupled receptors, cancer, neuroprotection. ,

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Peptide (PACAP) are neuropeptides, which are very important in controlling several physiological functions within the organism. The action of these peptides is mediated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) namely VPAC1, VPAC2 and PAC1 receptors that are pervasive throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, gastrointestinal system, immune system and other peripheral tissues. Some of the processes that involve VIP and PACAP include neurotransmission, relaxation of smooth muscles, immune modulation, angiogenesis and cell proliferation. They play an important role in cancer, neuroprotection, inflammation and cardiovascular health, and therefore, they are promising as targets of therapeutic interventions. Their signaling pathways and other contextspecific effects are however complicated making it difficult to use them clinically. This review also shows the various roles of VIP and PACAP receptors which have been investigated in their application in the treatment of neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

16 , 2 , 2026