KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a C-terminal tripeptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is studied in preclinical research as a potent anti-inflammatory agent with particular activity in intestinal inflammatory models. KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). While α-MSH itself is a 13-amino acid peptide with widespread effects including skin pigmentation and appetite regulation, the KPV sequence has been identified as the minimum active fragment responsible for most of α-MSH's potent anti-inflammatory activity.
Key Findings
- KPV is a C-terminal tripeptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) with potent anti-inflammatory properties.
- It targets melanocortin receptors, particularly MC1R and MC3R, which are expressed on immune cells and intestinal epithelium.
- Preclinical studies show significant reduction of inflammatory markers in colitis and wound models.
- KPV can penetrate intestinal epithelial cells directly, making it a strong candidate for gut-targeted research.
- Unlike alpha-MSH, KPV lacks the pigmentation-stimulating activity of the parent peptide.
Origin: From α-MSH to KPV
Alpha-MSH (α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) is a neuropeptide processed from POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin). It binds melanocortin receptors (MC1R-MC5R) and has long been known for its role in skin pigmentation (MC1R) and appetite suppression (MC4R).
However, research by Catania and colleagues in the 1990s-2000s demonstrated that many of α-MSH's anti-inflammatory effects could be reproduced by its C-terminal tripeptide KPV - and that KPV retained these effects without the pigmentation and appetite-related activity of the full molecule.
This selectivity makes KPV an ideal research tool for studying anti-inflammatory mechanisms in isolation.
Mechanism of Action
NF-κB Inhibition: KPV's primary anti-inflammatory mechanism is inhibition of NF-κB signaling - the master transcription factor for pro-inflammatory gene expression. By reducing NF-κB nuclear translocation, KPV decreases production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8.
Direct Cell Penetration: A distinctive feature of KPV is its ability to penetrate cells directly, without receptor binding, allowing it to act intracellularly on NF-κB and related pathways.
Macrophage Modulation: KPV shifts macrophage polarization away from the M1 (pro-inflammatory) phenotype. In inflamed tissue models, KPV-treated macrophages show reduced expression of iNOS and COX-2 and increased expression of anti-inflammatory markers.
Epithelial Barrier Function: In gut epithelial cultures, KPV has been shown to enhance tight junction protein expression (ZO-1, occludin, claudins) - strengthening the mucosal barrier that breaks down in IBD.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research
The most studied application of KPV is inflammatory bowel disease. In DSS-induced colitis models (a standard mouse model of ulcerative colitis), KPV has consistently shown:
- Reduced colon shortening (a marker of inflammation severity)
- Lower disease activity index scores
- Histological improvement in mucosal architecture
- Reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in colon tissue
- Enhanced epithelial barrier function
Oral administration has been examined, with some evidence that KPV can reach the colon intact - particularly when formulated in hydrogel or nanoparticle delivery systems that protect it from gastric degradation.
Skin and Wound Research
KPV's anti-inflammatory and cell-penetrating properties have also been studied in skin contexts:
- Topical KPV has shown efficacy in models of contact dermatitis and psoriasis-like inflammation
- It promotes wound closure in excisional wound models, likely through combined anti-inflammatory and cell migration effects
- Formulated in hydrogel, it has shown sustained local anti-inflammatory activity without systemic exposure
This localized activity profile is attractive for skin research where systemic immunosuppression is not desired.
Where to Buy KPV for Research
Where to buy KPV online for research: Blackwell BioLabs offers KPV at ≥99% HPLC-verified purity with batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA). Same-day US shipping via USPS Priority Mail. Accepts Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Monero (XMR), Cash App, and Venmo. Sold for research purposes only — no prescription required.
KPV specifications at Blackwell BioLabs:
- Purity: ≥99% by HPLC
- Format: Lyophilized powder
- COA: Batch-specific, third-party tested — available at blackwellbiolabs.com/coa
- Shipping: Same-day from US (orders before 2PM HST), USPS Priority Mail
- Price: $49.99
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a small tripeptide stable in lyophilized form. Verify HPLC purity ≥99% and mass spectrometry confirmation. Compatible with both injectable and topical research formulations. COA available at /coa.
Order at: blackwellbiolabs.com/products/kpv
Published References
PMC5003498
KPV tripeptide anti-inflammatory mechanisms and IBD models
18092346
Kannengiesser K, et al. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008.
27458604
Viennois E, et al. Critical role of PepT1 in promoting colitis-associated cancer and therapeutic benefits of KPV. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016.
28343991
Pawar K, et al. Transdermal iontophoretic delivery of KPV peptide across microporated human skin. J Pharm Sci. 2017.
Research Use Only. All content is for informational and educational purposes regarding preclinical research. None of the compounds discussed have been approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. This information does not constitute medical advice.
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