KPV: The α-MSH-Derived Tripeptide in Inflammation Research
The Lys-Pro-Val fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and what is known about how it works.
KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, the C-terminal sequence (residues 11-13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It has been studied because it keeps much of α-MSH's anti-inflammatory activity in a molecule only three amino acids long.
Mechanism overview
In published work KPV appears to act largely independently of classical melanocortin-receptor signalling, which is consistent with its not producing the pigmentary effects of full-length α-MSH. Studies in intestinal cells reported that KPV is taken up through the PepT1 peptide transporter and then suppresses inflammatory signalling through NF-κB and MAP-kinase pathways.
Published research applications
KPV has been used in models of intestinal inflammation and colitis, including oral and nanoparticle-delivered formats, in cutaneous inflammation and wound-healing assays, and in macrophage and keratinocyte cultures measuring cytokine release.
In dermal and tissue-repair designs it is commonly combined with other peptides such as GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500 to probe parallel pathways.
Reconstitution and handling
QSC supplies KPV as lyophilized powder in 10-vial packs of 5 mg and 10 mg vials. Reconstitute in sterile or bacteriostatic water per your protocol, refrigerate, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Keep long-term stock as lyophilized powder at -20°C.
