KPV 10mg

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) — Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Tripeptide

Chemical Information

• Peptide Name: KPV (Lys-Pro-Val)

• Amino Acid Sequence: Lys-Pro-Val

• Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₃₀N₄O₄

• Molecular Weight: 342.44 g/mol

• CAS Number: 16642-24-9

• Origin: C-terminal tripeptide fragment of α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH)

• Class: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial regulatory peptide

Overview

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a short bioactive tripeptide derived from the C-terminal region of α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH).
While α-MSH is known for its role in melanin synthesis through melanocortin receptor-1 (MC1R), its tripeptide fragment KPV exhibits a potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and tissue-protective effect independent of pigmentation pathways.

Due to its low molecular weight and simple structure, KPV penetrates epithelial and immune cells efficiently, interacting with the PepT1 transporter, which is overexpressed during intestinal inflammation.
This interaction allows KPV to reach intracellular targets and modulate inflammatory signaling at the cellular level.

Mechanism of Action

The anti-inflammatory activity of KPV is mediated primarily through PepT1 (peptide transporter-1) — a proton-dependent oligopeptide transporter found in intestinal epithelial and immune cells.
Through PepT1-dependent uptake, KPV:

• Inhibits activation of NF-κB, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6);

• Stabilizes epithelial tight junctions and decreases mucosal permeability;

• Modulates macrophage and neutrophil activity;

• Promotes epithelial repair and tissue regeneration.

This mechanism positions KPV as a promising research tool in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), autoimmune disorders, and dermatological inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties

KPV demonstrates both broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
In psoriasis research models, topical or systemic application of KPV has been shown to reduce itching, erythema, dryness, and scaling, restoring normal epidermal balance.

Unlike corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone), KPV does not interfere with endocrine function and may be applied in long-term research models without the adverse effects associated with steroid exposure.

Research Applications

KPV is currently being investigated for its role in several biological and therapeutic research domains:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Restores mucosal integrity via PepT1-mediated signaling and NF-κB inhibition.

• Colorectal Cancer: Reduces inflammatory drivers of tumorigenesis.

• Psoriasis and Dermatitis: Downregulates cytokine expression and enhances epidermal repair.

• Systemic Inflammation: Modulates immune response and oxidative stress pathways.

Key Benefits

• Selective immune regulation without global immunosuppression;

• Potent yet well-tolerated anti-inflammatory action;

• Suitable for long-term experimental use;

• Potential synergistic use in peptide combinations for epithelial or skin regeneration studies.

Summary

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a naturally occurring tripeptide fragment of α-MSH that exhibits strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and tissue-protective effects.
Through its interaction with PepT1 and regulation of NF-κB and cytokine pathways, KPV provides a novel model for studying non-steroidal inflammation control, gut epithelial repair, and skin homeostasis.

KPV is intended for research and educational purposes only.
It is not approved for human or veterinary use.

Selected References

1. Kang S. et al. The anti-inflammatory effects of α-MSH and its C-terminal tripeptide KPV. J Invest Dermatol. 1998.

2. Yang H. et al. KPV peptide inhibits colitis by modulation of NF-κB and cytokine pathways. Peptides. 2013.

3. Budu-Ampofo E. et al. Role of PepT1 transporter in Lys-Pro-Val uptake during intestinal inflammation. Am J Physiol. 2016.

4. Eves P.C. et al. α-MSH peptides reduce inflammation and carcinogenesis in skin models. Cancer Res. 2006.

5. Getting S.J. et al. KPV modulates macrophage activation and TNF-α release. Inflamm Res. 2002.

Product Use: THIS PRODUCT IS STRICTLY FOR
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY. It should only be used in laboratory
settings. All product information on this website is provided solely for
educational purposes. The law strictly prohibits introducing this product into
the body of humans or animals. Only licensed professionals should handle this
product. This product is not a drug, food, or cosmetic and should not be
improperly classified or used as such.