Vilon

Vilon is a synthetic dipeptide bioregulator composed of lysine and glutamic acid (Lys-Glu) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson. It acts as an immunomodulatory agent that supports thymic function, stimulates T-cell differentiation and proliferation, and demonstrates anti-aging properties through chromatin reactivation in senescent cells. Research shows Vilon can inhibit tumor growth, extend lifespan in animal models, protect against radiation-induced aging, and modulate inflammatory pathways.

Immune System Enhancement

Vilon stimulates interleukin-2 gene expression in lymphocytes and activates T-cell differentiation and recognition of peptide-MHC complexes ^[1][2]. The peptide produces potent comitogenic effects on thymocyte proliferation and modulates interleukin-1β activity, demonstrating the strongest immunomodulatory activity among tested short peptides ^[3]. It enhances CD5 lymphocyte marker expression and promotes differentiation of T-helper and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in both human and animal thymus cell cultures ^[4].

Anti-Aging and Chromatin Reactivation

Vilon induces reactivation of chromatin in cultured lymphocytes from elderly individuals (ages 75-88) through deheterochromatinization of total heterochromatin, activating synthetic processes by reactivating ribosomal genes ^[5][6]. The peptide releases genes repressed due to condensation of euchromatic regions forming facultative heterochromatin, effectively reversing age-related gene silencing ^[7]. In human mesenchymal stem cells, Vilon increased SIRT1 gene expression and protein synthesis by 6-8.2 fold while reducing PARP1 and PARP2 expression during cellular aging ^[8].

Tumor Inhibition and Longevity

Administration of Vilon at 1 mg/kg significantly increased survival in mice and inhibited growth of spontaneous tumors ^[9][10]. In long-term studies, the thymic peptide increased physical activity and decreased spontaneous lung adenoma incidence in female CBA mice ^[11]. The peptide demonstrates oncomodulating action on transplanted carcinoma and extends maximum lifespan in animal models ^[10].

Radiation Protection and Tissue Regeneration

Vilon treatment inhibits radiation-induced accelerated aging of the thymus and spleen in rats exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation ^[12]. The peptide stimulates proliferative activity of thymocytes and enhances proliferative potential of stem cells in the intestine following gamma-irradiation ^[13]. It promotes morphological integrity, proliferation, and functional activity of splenic cells in organotypic cultures from aged rats ^[14].

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Vilon suppresses TNF and IL-6 expression stimulated by lipopolysaccharide in differentiated macrophages, acting as a natural inducer of TNF tolerance in monocytes ^[15]. The peptide modulates key proliferative patterns by increasing tyrosine phosphorylation of mitogen-activated cytoplasmic kinases ^[15]. It demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects during microbial-mediated inflammatory responses.

Renal Protection

Subcutaneous injection of Vilon significantly decreased serum concentration of transforming growth factor-beta₁ and reduced permeability of mesenteric microvessels in rats with chronic renal failure ^[16].

Anti-Apoptotic Effects

Vilon inhibits radiation-induced apoptotic death of spleen lymphocytes in rats, with effects more pronounced than other peptide bioregulators tested ^[17]. The peptide demonstrates antiapoptotic properties while maintaining tissue-specific therapeutic selectivity ^[17].

Drug Interactions

Combining Vilon with cyclophosphamide chemotherapy decreases survival in mice with transplanted tumors, suggesting these agents must not be used synchronously for optimal cancer therapy outcomes ^[10]. When administered separately, Vilon shows beneficial oncomodulating effects, but concurrent use with certain chemotherapeutic agents may abolish or reverse therapeutic benefits.

Clinical Safety Profile

In double-blind studies on 63 surgical patients, Vilon was administered daily for 7-10 days in combination with conventional treatment without reported adverse effects . In trials involving over 250 subjects with chronic periodontitis, daily administration for 5-10 days increased antioxidant protection in blood and saliva while decreasing disseminated intravascular coagulation intensity .

Age-Related Effects

Vilon demonstrates stronger morphological and functional effects in organotypic cultures from older rats compared to younger specimens, suggesting enhanced activity in aged tissues ^[14]. The peptide shows selective activity on heterochromatin in elderly individuals (75-88 years) versus younger controls (20-40 years) ^[5][6].

Administration and Dosing

Research studies have used dosages ranging from 1 mg/kg in mice to 20 ng/ml in cell culture studies. Human clinical trials employed daily injections for 5-10 days depending on the condition treated . Long-term animal studies used monthly injections from age six months until natural death without reported toxicity ^[11].

Tissue Specificity

Vilon demonstrates particular affinity for thymic and immune tissues, with effects concentrated in lymphoid organs including thymus, spleen, and lymphocyte populations ^[1][3][4]. Unlike other peptide bioregulators such as Epithalon, Vilon does not induce decondensation of pericentromeric structural heterochromatin on specific chromosomes, indicating selective chromatin-modifying activity ^[5].