title: Immunomodulatory roles of VIP and PACAP in models of multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting myelin and axons, which is perpetuated by autoreactive lymphocytes and other inflammatory cell types. Because of the multifactorial nature of this disease, therapies targeting a single process may not be sufficient to halt its progression. VIP and PACAP are two neuropeptides shown to regulate multiple aspects of innate and adaptive immunity, and can also act independently on neural cells to promote their survival and regeneration. Animal studies have proven the efficacy of these peptides for the treatment of several models of neural inflammatory disorders, including those which, like MS, have major Th1/Th17 components. In this review, the immunomodulatory actions of VIP and PACAP will be discussed, with particular emphasis on their potential significance in MS.
authors.affiliation: The Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human and Department of Psychiatry, The David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
authors.forename: Catalina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Abad
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Waschek
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D051219:Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D051219:Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide