Compound Reference

KPV

A C-terminal alpha-MSH tripeptide studied for anti-inflammatory signaling, gut mucosal protection, and NF-kB pathway modulation.

Alpha-MSH C-terminal tripeptideC₁₅H₂₇N₅O₄Short (preclinical estimate, minutes to hours)
Anti-inflammatory ResearchGut Mucosal ProtectionNF-kB ModulationInflammatory Bowel ModelsSkin Inflammation

Overview

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), the same neuropeptide from which PT-141 was derived. While PT-141 targets melanocortin receptors for central arousal signaling, KPV primarily exerts anti-inflammatory effects through both melanocortin receptor-dependent and receptor-independent mechanisms. Research has examined KPV in inflammatory bowel disease models, colitis paradigms, skin inflammation assays, and NF-kB pathway studies. Its small size, gut stability, and documented anti-inflammatory properties have made it a subject of interest in gastrointestinal mucosal protection research.

Quick Reference

Sequence
Lys-Pro-Val (KPV)
Origin
C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH
Primary mechanism
NF-kB suppression, melanocortin receptor-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling
Research models
IBD/colitis, skin inflammation, LPS-stimulated macrophages
Purity standard
>=98% by HPLC
Mechanism

How It Works

KPV exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing NF-kB activation in immune and epithelial cells, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8) in activated macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells. Some studies have also documented melanocortin receptor-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling. Its oral stability in certain formulations has been studied for potential gut-targeted delivery research applications.

Research Highlights

Key findings from the published preclinical literature.

1

NF-kB Suppression in Inflammatory Models

Cell culture and preclinical studies have documented KPV inhibition of NF-kB nuclear translocation and downstream pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in macrophage and intestinal epithelial cell models stimulated with LPS or TNF-alpha.

2

Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Models

Rodent colitis models (TNBS, DSS) have examined KPV for its ability to reduce colonic inflammation scores, cytokine levels, and mucosal damage, documenting protective effects in gut epithelial injury paradigms relevant to IBD research.

3

Skin Inflammation Research

Alpha-MSH-related peptides including KPV have been studied in skin inflammation models for their anti-inflammatory activity, with research examining KPV effects on keratinocyte and mast cell inflammatory signaling in models of contact hypersensitivity.

4

Oral Delivery and Gut Targeting Studies

Research has examined the stability of KPV under gastrointestinal conditions and in nanoparticle formulations designed for gut-targeted delivery, documenting retained anti-inflammatory activity in mucosal tissue assays following oral administration in preclinical models.

Research Connections

Related research areas, stacks, and comparisons involving this compound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Source This Compound

KPV is available from Spartan Peptides at a minimum 98% HPLC-verified purity with batch-specific certificate of analysis. Domestic US supply, same-day dispatch before 2 PM EST. For in-vitro research use only.

All compounds are strictly for in-vitro research use only and not intended for human consumption.