Research advances of vasoactive intestinal peptide in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis by regulating interleukin-10 expression in regulatory B cells

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsed intestinal disease with an increasing incidence around the world. The pathophysiology of UC remains unclear. However, the role of the interaction between the enteric nervous system and the immune system in the pathogenesis of UC has been the focus of attention and has become a research hotspot. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a kind of endogenous neuropeptide with regulatory activity on intestinal immunity. It has been shown to regulate immune disorders in animal and human experiments and has become an effective anti-inflammatory and immune modulator that affects the innate immune system and adaptive immune system. Regulatory B cells (Bregs) are a new group of B cells that negatively regulate the immunity and have received extensive attention in immune circles. Bregs can regulate immune tolerance by producing interleukin (IL)-10, IL-35, and transforming growth factor-beta, suppressing autoimmune diseases or excessive inflammatory responses. The secretion of IL-10 by Bregs induces the development of T helper (Th) 0 and Th2 cells. It also induces Th2 cytokines and inhibits Th1 cytokines, thereby inhibiting Th1 cells and the Th1/Th2 balance. With further clarity on the mechanism of the regulation of IL-10 expression by VIP in Bregs in colitis patients, we believe that Bregs can provide a novel strategy for the clinical treatment of UC. Thus, we aim to review the current literature on this evolving topic.