KPV — Research Summary

Research Use Only · Not for Human or Veterinary Use

Anti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from alpha-MSH, studied for immune modulati

KPV

An evidence summary of published preclinical research on KPV. This page is educational and summarizes findings reported in third-party scientific literature. No claims are made regarding safety or efficacy in humans.

Molecular Data

FORMULA C16H30N4O4
MOLECULAR WEIGHT 342.43 g/mol
SEQUENCE Lys-Pro-Val

Compound Overview

KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide corresponding to the C-terminal sequence (amino acids 11-13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Despite being only three amino acids long, KPV retains the potent anti-inflammatory properties of the parent hormone without its melanotropic (skin pigmentation) effects. It has attracted significant research interest for inflammatory bowel disease and skin inflammation.

Reported Mechanism (Preclinical)

KPV exerts anti-inflammatory effects primarily by entering cells and inhibiting the NF-kB signaling pathway, a master regulator of pro-inflammatory gene expression. It reduces the nuclear translocation of NF-kB subunits, suppresses inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta), and modulates immune cell activation. Research also shows it can interact with melanocortin receptors (MC1R) on immune cells to further dampen inflammatory cascades.

Mechanisms described above are reported in preclinical (animal and in vitro) literature and have not been established for human use.

Key Research Highlights

  • Reduced colonic inflammation and disease severity in DSS-induced colitis mouse models (Dalmasso et al., 2008)
  • Inhibited NF-kB activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophage cultures
  • Demonstrated efficacy against contact hypersensitivity and allergic inflammation in murine skin models
  • Showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans (Catania et al., 2005)
  • Maintained anti-inflammatory potency comparable to full-length alpha-MSH in multiple assays

Published References

  1. KPV tripeptide reduces colitis in mice by inhibiting NF-kB
    Gastroenterology, 2008
  2. Alpha-MSH peptides and their role in inflammation
    Ann N Y Acad Sci, 2005
  3. Anti-inflammatory effects of alpha-MSH-derived tripeptides
    Peptides, 2006

Available for Research

Lab-tested, third-party COA published, U.S. ships same day.

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Compliance Notice: American Peptides products are sold strictly for laboratory and academic research purposes only. They are not intended for human or veterinary consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease. All content on this page is educational in nature, summarizes findings from preclinical literature, and does not constitute medical advice or product claims. Researchers are responsible for handling these compounds in accordance with their institution's safety protocols and applicable laws.