KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), studied primarily in inflammatory-signaling and epithelial-barrier research. This guide summarizes what the published scientific literature has examined about KPV, its molecular profile, and how it is handled in a research setting. It is written for researchers and is not medical guidance.
What is KPV?
KPV (CAS 67727-97-3, molecular formula C16H30N4O4, molar mass ≈ 342.4 g/mol) is a synthetic tripeptide corresponding to residues 11–13 of α-MSH, the sequence lysine-proline-valine. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory research.
Research-use note: KPV is a research chemical supplied strictly for laboratory research. It is not an approved drug, cosmetic, or supplement and is not for human or animal consumption. Findings below come from cell-culture and animal-model studies.
Evidence at a glance
Preclinical onlyKPV has been studied in rodent inflammation models and cell culture, with consistent anti-inflammatory findings. No human trial has been published.
Why researchers are interested
It is the smallest active fragment of alpha-MSH, and it keeps the anti-inflammatory action while dropping the pigmentation and cardiovascular effects the full hormone carries. A carrier in the gut wall takes it up directly, which is why the colitis models responded.
What the research found
- Less intestinal inflammationReduced inflammation in colitis models through PepT1 mediated uptake (Dalmasso, Gastroenterology)
- Lower inflammatory markersReduced inflammatory signalling in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease (Kannengiesser, 2008)
- Antimicrobial activityActivity against bacterial and fungal organisms in vitro (Cutuli, 2000)
Reported in the literature
- No controlled human safety data has been published.
- Not approved by any medicines regulator.
Findings are summarised from the sources listed under References on this page, and from approved product labelling where a compound has one. These are outcomes observed in published studies, not effects claimed for any person, and nothing here is a recommendation for human use.
How KPV works (the mechanism studied)
KPV retains the Lys-Pro-Val C-terminus of α-MSH while lacking the receptor-binding core associated with pigmentation, which is why researchers have used it to separate the anti-inflammatory signaling of the melanocortin system from its pigmentary activity. Published work has examined uptake through the intestinal peptide transporter PepT1 in epithelial cells, and reported downstream effects on NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling in those models.
What researchers have studied
The KPV literature centers on epithelial inflammation, colitis models, and antimicrobial activity. The most frequently cited studies include:
- Intestinal-inflammation research: Dalmasso et al. (Gastroenterology, 2008) reported that PepT1-mediated uptake of KPV reduced inflammation in intestinal epithelial models.
- Colitis-model research: Kannengiesser et al. (Inflamm Bowel Dis, 2008) examined the anti-inflammatory potential of the melanocortin-derived tripeptide in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Antimicrobial-peptide research: Cutuli et al. (J Leukoc Biol, 2000) reported antimicrobial activity for α-MSH-derived peptides, including the C-terminal tripeptide sequence.
These findings describe research outcomes in laboratory models, not validated outcomes in humans.
Handling and reconstitution in the laboratory
KPV is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder for research use. Standard laboratory practice is to reconstitute it with bacteriostatic water, swirl (not shake) until dissolved, and store the reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8 °C). The lyophilized powder is generally stored frozen and protected from light. (General lab-handling notes, not usage instructions.)
For research use only
All products and information referenced here are intended strictly for laboratory and scientific research use only. They are not for human or animal consumption and are not drugs, foods, supplements, cosmetics, or medical devices. No statement here should be interpreted as medical advice.
Explore KPV and related research peptides
- KPV 10mg: verified CAS, formula, and specifications
- KLOW 80mg, multi-peptide blend that includes KPV
- GHK-Cu, copper tripeptide also present in the KLOW blend
- Bacteriostatic Water 30ml, reconstitution diluent
References
- Dalmasso G, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008. PubMed
- Kannengiesser K, et al. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008. PubMed
- Cutuli M, et al. Antimicrobial effects of alpha-MSH peptides. J Leukoc Biol. 2000. PubMed