The novel peptide PACAP-TAT with enhanced traversing ability attenuates the severe lung injury induced by repeated smoke inhalation

► A novel peptide PACAP-TAT was produced by tagging TAT at PACAP's C-terminus. ► PACAP-TAT displayed increased traversing biological barriers ability. ► PACAP-TAT attenuated lung injury significantly more effectively than PACAP. ► PACAP-TAT may be potent substitute for PACAP.