Quick summary
Vilon is a synthetic dipeptide (Lys-Glu) bioregulator by Khavinson that modulates immune function by binding DNA and reducing T-helper cell apoptosis. It reduces TNF-alpha up to 6-fold and IL-6 up to 2.5-fold in stimulated immune cells.
Overview
Vilon is a synthetic dipeptide (Lys-Glu, KE) bioregulator developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It is classified as a thymus-derived bioregulator that modulates immune function, particularly T-lymphocyte activity, and has been studied for its anti-aging and immunomodulatory properties in preclinical and Russian clinical research.
Mechanism of action
Vilon interacts directly with DNA by binding to the GCGC sequence in curved nucleosomal DNA and the TCGA sequence in B-form double-stranded DNA, positioning itself in the minor groove of the DNA helix. This epigenetic interaction modulates gene transcription in thymocytes, T-lymphocytes, and supporting immune cells without covalently altering the DNA sequence. In aged immune tissue, Vilon reduces apoptosis in T-helper cells rather than driving proliferation, restoring immune competence through a preservation mechanism. It significantly reduces TNF-α production (by up to 6-fold) and IL-6 release (up to 2.5-fold) in LPS-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, suggesting broad anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects. Vilon was originally derived from analysis of thymalin, a thymic polypeptide complex.
Dosing protocols
| Purpose | Route | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| immune modulation research | subcutaneous | 0.1–0.5 mg | daily for 10–20 days | Khavinson protocols typically use 10-day cycles repeated 2–4 times per year. |
| oral research use | oral | 1–2 mg | daily | Sublingual or oral bioavailability of small dipeptides is plausible but not well characterized. |
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Research summary
Russian research from Khavinson's group spanning four decades documents Vilon's immunomodulatory effects in aging animal models and limited human observational studies. Studies demonstrate restoration of thymic T-cell output in elderly subjects, reduction in inflammatory cytokine production, and improvement in lymphocyte proliferative responses. No large randomized controlled trials have been conducted in Western clinical settings. The research base consists primarily of Russian-language publications and animal experiments, with no published human RCTs meeting FDA standards.[1][2][3][4]
Evidence grading
Each claimed benefit is graded by the strength of available evidence. Grades reflect study quality, not effect size.
Strong = multiple RCTs · Moderate = limited trials or observational · Preliminary = animal or in vitro only · Insufficient = anecdotal or no published data
Side effects
Side effects vary by individual. This is not an exhaustive list. Report unusual symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Common stacks
Peptides commonly paired with Vilon for synergistic effects.
Legal status
Not FDA-approved. Developed and studied in Russia; sold as a research chemical in Western markets. Not approved for human therapeutic use outside Russia. Classified as a research peptide in the US and EU.
Sourcing & access
Research compound
Vilon is classified as a research compound. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. Always verify current legal status and source from vendors providing third-party certificates of analysis (COA).
Frequently asked questions
Vilon is a synthetic dipeptide (Lys-Glu, KE) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson as a thymus-derived bioregulator. It modulates T-lymphocyte activity and has been studied for anti-aging and immunomodulatory properties in preclinical and Russian clinical research.
Vilon binds directly to specific DNA sequences (GCGC and TCGA) in the minor groove, modulating gene transcription in immune cells without altering DNA covalently. In aged tissue, it reduces T-helper cell apoptosis and significantly decreases TNF-alpha production (up to 6-fold) and IL-6 release (up to 2.5-fold).
Reported side effects are limited to mild injection site redness and transient fatigue. The long-term safety profile is unknown. No large randomized controlled trials meeting Western standards have been conducted. It is not FDA-approved.
Standard Khavinson protocols use 0.1 to 0.5 mg subcutaneously daily for 10-day cycles, repeated 2 to 4 times per year. Oral dosing of 1-2 mg daily has also been explored, though bioavailability data is not well characterized.
Research references
- Vilon (Lys-Glu) dipeptide: immunomodulatory and geroprotective propertiesPubMed
- Short peptide Lys-Glu (Vilon) and T-cell immunity in aging: clinical observationsPubMed
- Vilon peptide in rehabilitation of immune function after cytostatic therapyPubMed
- Geroprotective peptide bioregulators Vilon and Epithalamin: long-term mortality dataPubMed