Vilon

In simple words

Vilon is a peptide of just two amino acids, created in Khavinson's laboratory to support immunity. It is studied as an agent that helps immune cells survive and cope better with stress; in mice, it extended lifespan.

What this molecule is

Lys-Glu — 2 aa, a dipeptide. Khavinson immune bioregulator. ~275 Da. Analog: Crystagen (3 aa).

Why it is studied

Immune dipeptide with antitumor activity in mice (↑lifespan +30-40%). ↓Apoptosis of immune cells. Modulation of IL-2 gene expression. COVID-19: correction of cytokine imbalance.

How it works

↑IL-2 gene expression in lymphocytes. ↓Apoptosis via ↓caspase cascade. Epigenetic regulation of immune functions. Anti-stress activity (↑stress resistance in rats).

Doses used in studies

Studies used 1–2 capsules twice a day with meals for a course of 30 days.

Combined with in studies

• Thymalin
• Crystagen
• Epitalon

Level of evidence

Level C Animal studies. Effects have been shown in animals. Whether they carry over to humans has not been proven.

Important to know

Vilaon is an alternative spelling of the name Vilon (the same dipeptide). Research only.

Studies in PubMed

1. A synthetic dipeptide vilon (L-Lys-L-Glu) inhibits growth of spontaneous tumors and increases life span of mice. (Dokl Biol Sci, 2000)
2. Effect of peptide Lys-Glu on interleukin-2 gene expression in lymphocytes. (Bull Exp Biol Med, 2000)
3. Peptide bioregulators inhibit apoptosis. (Bull Exp Biol Med, 2000)
4. Studies of the effects of Vilon and Epithalon on gene expression in mouse heart using DNA-microarray technology. (Bull Exp Biol Med, 2002)
5. Effect of vilon on biological age and lifespan in mice. (Bull Exp Biol Med, 2000)
6. Immunomodulating effects of Vilon and its analogue in the culture of human and animal thymus cells. (Bull Exp Biol Med, 2013)