What Is KPV? A Research Overview

KPV is a synthetic tripeptide composed of lysine, proline, and valine (Lys–Pro–Val), corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is studied in preclinical anti-inflammatory and immune-signaling research. KPV is sold strictly as a research-use-only (RUO) chemical. It is not a drug, not a dietary supplement, and not approved by the FDA for human or veterinary use. The information below summarizes published in-vitro and animal findings.

Quick facts

• Class: tripeptide (Lys–Pro–Val); C-terminal fragment of α-MSH
• Research focus: anti-inflammatory and immune-signaling research in cell and animal models
• Form: lyophilized powder for laboratory research use only
• Status: for laboratory research use only; not for human consumption

What is KPV?

KPV is the three-amino-acid sequence at the carboxyl (C-terminal) end of α-MSH, a melanocortin peptide. Review literature identifies Lys–Pro–Val as the minimum sequence associated with the anti-inflammatory activity of α-MSH, while lacking the pigment-stimulating activity of the full-length hormone [3]. Because it is a short, defined peptide, KPV is a common subject in laboratory studies of inflammatory signaling, typically supplied as a lyophilized powder reconstituted in the lab.

What does the research show?

Published preclinical work has examined KPV in cell cultures and rodent models. In a study in Gastroenterology, nanomolar KPV reduced markers of inflammation in intestinal epithelial and immune cell lines, and oral administration decreased the severity of chemically induced (DSS and TNBS) colitis in mice, including reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression [1]. A later murine study reported that KPV reduced inflammation and tumor development in a colitis-associated cancer model, with effects dependent on the PepT1 transporter [2]. These are animal and in-vitro findings only and have not been established in humans.

Mechanisms studied in the lab

• NF-κB pathway modulation: in cell models, KPV has been reported to suppress activation of NF-κB, a central regulator of inflammatory gene expression [1].
• MAP kinase signaling: reduced phosphorylation of MAP kinase components, associated with lower cytokine output, was observed in cultured cells [1].
• PepT1-mediated uptake: KPV appears to enter intestinal and immune cells via the di/tripeptide transporter PepT1, a route linked to its activity in colitis models [1][2].

Research status and safety

KPV is offered for research use only. It is not approved by the FDA and is not intended for human or animal consumption. All effects described in the literature are preclinical (in-vitro or animal). Handling should be limited to qualified researchers in an appropriate laboratory setting.

Handling

KPV is supplied as a lyophilized powder and should be stored as directed on the product page. For laboratory reconstitution practices, see our guide on laboratory concentration and handling reference. View product details and any available product- or lot-specific documentation here: KPV — product details. To compare related research peptides, browse the catalog.

FAQ

What does KPV stand for? KPV refers to the single-letter codes for its three amino acids: K (lysine), P (proline), V (valine) — the tripeptide Lys–Pro–Val.

Is KPV approved for human use? No. KPV is a research-use-only chemical, not an approved drug or supplement, and not intended for human or veterinary use.

How is KPV related to α-MSH? KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide fragment of α-MSH, studied as a minimal sequence associated with that hormone’s anti-inflammatory signaling [3].

References

1. Dalmasso G, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008.
2. Viennois E, et al. PepT1 and KPV in a murine colitis-associated cancer model. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016.
3. Singh M, Mukhopadhyay K. Alpha-MSH: an anti-inflammatory antimicrobial peptide (review). Biomed Res Int. 2014.

For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.