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Exploring the Pro-Phagocytic and Anti-Inflammatory Functions of PACAP and VIP in Microglia: Implications for Multiple Sclerosis

Margo Iris Jansen, Sarah Thomas Broome, Alessandro Castorina2022International Journal of Molecular SciencesReview
10.3390/ijms23094788PubMedFree full text
Endocrine (ADH/ACTH/MSH)GastrointestinalHypothalamic-PituitaryImmune/InnateNeurological

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterised by the infiltration of peripheral immune cells, multifocal white-matter lesions, and neurodegeneration. In recent years, microglia have emerged as key contributors to MS pathology, acting as scavengers of toxic myelin/cell debris and modulating the inflammatory microenvironment to promote myelin repair. In this review, we explore the role of two neuropeptides, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), as important regulators of microglial functioning during demyelination, myelin phagocytosis, and remyelination, emphasising the potential of these neuropeptides as therapeutic targets for the treatment of MS.

Key Biomarkers

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)

Cited By (1)

  • Antimicrobial Neuropeptides and Their Receptors: Immunoregulator and Therapeutic Targets for Immune DisordersMolecules · 2025

References (7)

  • Pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide is an intrinsic regulator of Treg abundance and protects against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitisProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · 2009
  • Trems in the immune system and beyondNature reviews. Immunology · 2003
  • T cells in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitisClinical & Experimental Immunology · 2010
  • PACAP and VIP Modulate LPS-induced Microglial Activation and Trigger Distinct Phenotypic Changes in Murine BV2 Microglial CellsPreprints.org · 2021
  • Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Enhance IL-10 Production by Murine Macrophages: In Vitro and In Vivo StudiesThe Journal of Immunology · 1999

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