K4 Elite logo K4 Elite
Home / Peptide Library / KPV
Emerging Research

KPV

Tissue Repair & Recovery · ['Lys-Pro-Val', 'KPV tripeptide', 'α-MSH(11-13)', 'alpha-MSH C-terminal tripeptide']

KPV is a tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, studied preclinically for anti-inflammatory activity.

🔬 Research use only — not for human or veterinary use. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions.
Molecular Formula
C16H30N4O4
Molecular Weight
342.43 g/mol
PubChem
CID 125672 ↗
Research Level
Emerging Research
Browse the store →
KPV chemical structure

KPV is a tripeptide composed of lysine, proline, and valine. Its sequence corresponds to the C-terminal three amino acids (residues 11-13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a peptide known for anti-inflammatory activity. KPV retains a portion of that anti-inflammatory activity while lacking the pigment-stimulating (melanocortin receptor pigmentation) effects of the full hormone.

Research on KPV has focused on inflammatory models of the gastrointestinal tract and skin, examining its ability to reduce inflammatory signaling in cell-culture and animal systems. It has been investigated both as a free peptide and in nanoparticle or conjugate delivery systems for intestinal inflammation research.

KPV is an investigational research compound. It is not an approved drug, and the human evidence base is limited.

Preclinical studies propose that KPV exerts anti-inflammatory effects by entering cells and interfering with pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, including reduction of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation and downstream inflammatory cytokine production. Some research suggests uptake via the peptide transporter PepT1, which is upregulated in inflamed intestinal tissue.

These proposed mechanisms are derived from cell-culture and rodent models of colitis and skin inflammation and have not been established in controlled human studies.

  • Intestinal inflammation and experimental colitis models, examining inflammatory markers and mucosal outcomes [1]
  • NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling in cultured epithelial and immune cells [1]
  • PepT1-mediated cellular uptake of the peptide in intestinal tissue [2]
  • Skin inflammation and dermatological research contexts [3]
  • Nanoparticle and conjugate delivery systems for targeted anti-inflammatory research [2]
📋 How published studies were conducted — a research reference summarizing study designs from the literature. This is not usage, dosing, or administration guidance. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions; determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher.

Dalmasso and colleagues studied KPV in mouse models of colitis and in cultured intestinal epithelial cells, reporting reduced inflammatory cytokine expression and improved markers of colonic inflammation; outcomes included pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and histological inflammation scores. The study also reported PepT1-dependent cellular uptake [1].

Kannengiesser and colleagues examined a KPV formulation in experimental intestinal inflammation, reporting attenuation of inflammatory outcomes in the animal model, with tissue inflammatory markers as endpoints [2].

Broader reviews of α-MSH-derived peptides summarize studies in which KPV reduced inflammatory responses across cell and animal models of skin and gut inflammation, consistently using inflammatory-marker measurement as the outcome [3].

Combinations examined in the research literature. Descriptive only — not a recommendation to combine compounds.

NF-κB signaling pathwaySynergistic
Preclinical studies attribute KPV anti-inflammatory activity partly to inhibition of NF-κB activation.
PepT1 transporterCompatible
Cellular uptake reported via PepT1, which is upregulated in inflamed intestinal tissue.
BPC-157Compatible
Both appear in gastrointestinal tissue-repair research contexts; no controlled human co-administration data exist.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1)Neutral
Studies report reduced cytokine production; effect is context-dependent and preclinical.
  1. Dalmasso G et al., Gastroenterology 2008 (KPV colitis, PepT1)
  2. Kannengiesser K et al., Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008 (KPV intestinal inflammation)
  3. Brzoska T et al., Endocr Rev 2008 (α-MSH peptides review)
  4. PubChem: Lys-Pro-Val (CID 125672)
What is KPV?
KPV is a three-amino-acid peptide (lysine-proline-valine) that matches the C-terminal fragment of the hormone alpha-MSH. It has been studied for anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical models.
How does KPV relate to alpha-MSH?
It is the last three residues of alpha-MSH and is reported to retain some anti-inflammatory activity without the pigmentation effects of the full hormone.
What research areas involve KPV?
Most studies focus on intestinal inflammation (colitis models), NF-κB signaling, and skin inflammation, using cell cultures and rodent models.
Is KPV FDA approved?
No. KPV is an investigational research compound and is not approved by the FDA for any use.
Is this product intended for human use?
No. This material is supplied strictly for laboratory and research use only. It is not a drug or supplement and is not intended for human or veterinary consumption or administration.
Disclaimer: This profile summarizes published preclinical and laboratory research for reference only. It is not medical advice and makes no claim of safety or efficacy in humans. Determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher. Products are sold strictly for in-vitro research and have not been evaluated by the FDA.