Molecular data
| Molecular formula | C16H31N5O4 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 342.43 Da |
| Sequence | Lys-Pro-Val |
| Sequence length | 3 residues |
| Physical form | Lyophilized powder |
| Available sizes | 10mg |
How it works
Inflammatory Pathway Suppression
At nanomolar concentrations, KPV inhibits activation of the NF-κB and MAP-kinase inflammatory signaling pathways. By blunting NF-κB — a master regulator of inflammatory gene expression — KPV reduces secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β.
- Inhibits NF-κB and MAP-kinase signaling at nanomolar levels
- Reduces TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and other pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Suppresses inflammatory output rather than boosting anti-inflammatory cytokines
Cellular Transport & Action
Research shows KPV is taken up by cells via the PepT1 di/tripeptide transporter, which is expressed on immune cells and intestinal epithelial cells. This transporter-mediated uptake allows KPV to act intracellularly on inflammatory signaling.
- Enters cells through the PepT1 peptide transporter
- PepT1 is expressed on immune and intestinal epithelial cells
- Enables intracellular modulation of inflammatory pathways
Melanocortin Fragment
KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH 11–13). Research indicates most of α-MSH's anti-inflammatory activity can be attributed to this fragment, which also shows antimicrobial activity in published studies.
- C-terminal tripeptide of the melanocortin peptide α-MSH
- Carries much of α-MSH's anti-inflammatory activity
- Antimicrobial effects reported against S. aureus and C. albicans
What the research shows
Intestinal Inflammation & Colitis
A landmark study showed PepT1-mediated uptake of KPV significantly reduced intestinal inflammation in DSS- and TNBS-induced models of colitis.
Dalmasso et al. 2008
α-MSH Anti-Inflammatory Signaling
KPV is studied as the C-terminal tripeptide that carries much of α-MSH's anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activity.
Brzoska et al.
Epithelial Wound Healing
In a rabbit corneal model, topical KPV produced complete re-epithelialization by 60 hours, with a mechanism that may involve nitric-oxide signaling.
Bonfiglio et al. 2006
Antimicrobial Activity
KPV shows antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans across a broad concentration range in published research.
Cutuli et al. 2000
Specification
| Chemical Name | KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) |
|---|---|
| Sequence | L-Lysyl-L-Prolyl-L-Valine (α-MSH 11–13) |
| Molecular Weight | 342.43 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₆H₃₁N₅O₄ |
| Content | 10 mg per vial |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Testing | Third-party HPLC, Mass Spec, Endotoxin |
| Storage (lyophilized) | -20°C for long-term stability |
| Storage (reconstituted) | 2–8°C, use within 14 days |
| Solubility | Bacteriostatic water for reconstitution |
| COA | Included with every order |
Frequently asked questions
What is KPV?
KPV is a tripeptide composed of lysine, proline, and valine. It is the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH 11–13), and research indicates this short fragment carries much of α-MSH's anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activity.
How does KPV reduce inflammation?
At nanomolar concentrations, KPV inhibits the NF-κB and MAP-kinase inflammatory signaling pathways. NF-κB is a master regulator of inflammatory gene expression, so suppressing it lowers production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in research models.
What is PepT1 and why does it matter for KPV?
PepT1 is a di/tripeptide transporter expressed on immune cells and intestinal epithelial cells. Research shows KPV enters cells through PepT1, which allows it to act intracellularly on inflammatory signaling — a mechanism considered central to its effects in intestinal-inflammation models.
What does colitis research show about KPV?
In a landmark Gastroenterology study, PepT1-mediated uptake of KPV significantly reduced intestinal inflammation in DSS- and TNBS-induced mouse models of colitis, with decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ.
Has KPV been tested in humans?
No. Despite roughly two decades of preclinical research across multiple organ systems, KPV has not completed human clinical trials. Research-grade KPV sold here is intended strictly for in vitro laboratory research and is not for human or veterinary use.
How should research-grade KPV be stored?
Lyophilized KPV should be stored at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, it should be kept at 2–8°C and used within approximately 14 days to preserve peptide integrity.
Literature
- PUBMED PepT1-Mediated Tripeptide KPV Uptake Reduces Intestinal Inflammation
- PMC α-MSH Related Peptides: A New Class of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulating Drugs
- PUBMED Effects of the COOH-Terminal Tripeptide α-MSH(11–13) on Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing: Role of Nitric Oxide
- PUBMED Antimicrobial Effects of Alpha-MSH Peptides
For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, or medical product; not for human or animal use. All findings referenced are from published preclinical/laboratory research.