KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is the C-terminal tripeptide fragment of Ξ±-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (Ξ±-MSH). Despite being only three amino acids, KPV retains the potent anti-inflammatory activity of the full Ξ±-MSH sequence. It acts on melanocortin receptors (particularly MC1R and MC3R) and NF-ΞΊB pathways to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine cascades, making it a key compound for IBD, skin inflammation, and systemic immune research.
CAS 69679-67-0 | MW 328.4 DaBinds MC1R and MC3R on immune cells, triggering cAMP-mediated suppression of NF-ΞΊB activity and downstream inflammatory signalling.
Reduces TNF-Ξ±, IL-1Ξ², IL-6, and IL-8 in lipopolysaccharide-challenged macrophage models by 60β80% in published studies.
Acts directly on intestinal epithelial cells to reduce permeability and inflammatory signalling β key for IBD research models.
Small size (MW 328 Da) enables intracellular penetration and access to nuclear inflammatory targets unlike larger peptides.
Dalmasso et al. demonstrated KPV significantly reduced colitis severity in DSS-treated mice, decreasing histological damage scores and mucosal cytokine levels compared to controls.
Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2008;294(4):G1060β1067Chavan et al. showed KPV suppressed UVB-induced skin inflammation in human keratinocyte models, reducing CXCL8 and IL-6 by >70%.
J Invest Dermatol. 2010;130(4):1024β1032Laroui et al. developed KPV-loaded nanoparticles that orally targeted inflamed colon tissue, demonstrating effective anti-inflammatory delivery in IBD mouse models.
Gastroenterology. 2010;138(3):843β853In vivo IBD studies use 1β10 Β΅g/day SC or oral delivery with nanoparticle formulation. In vitro macrophage/epithelial studies use 0.1β10 Β΅M concentration ranges. Cytokine panels (TNF-Ξ±, IL-1Ξ², IL-6) and histological scoring are standard endpoints. Often paired with BPC-157 in gut healing stack research.
| Full Name | KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) |
| CAS Number | 69679-67-0 |
| Molecular Formula | Cββ HββNβOβ |
| Molecular Weight | 328.4 Da |
| Sequence | Lys-Pro-Val |
| Origin | C-terminal fragment of Ξ±-MSH |
| Purity | β₯99% by HPLC |
| Storage | β20Β°C, desiccated |
