Skip to main content
PepStack
Wiki · Profile

KPV

Lys-Pro-Val · alpha-MSH(11-13)

Immune SystemPreclinical
From$2.88/mgCompare prices
MW
192.21g/mol
Formula
C11H12O3

KPV, a tripeptide composed of lysine, proline, and valine, is a C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers primarily study KPV for its potential applications in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress in various biological contexts, including skin health and viral infections. Key findings from studies indicate that KPV can reduce inflammatory responses in keratinocytes exposed to environmental pollutants and inhibit HIV replication in infected cells by modulating transcriptional pathways. Additionally, preclinical evidence suggests that KPV can enhance oral bioavailability through innovative delivery systems, demonstrating its promise as a therapeutic agent. Current research continues to explore KPV's mechanisms of action and its efficacy in diverse inflammatory conditions.

Chemical Profile

Chemical Profile

Chemical structure
Chemical Structure
FormulaC11H12O3
Molecular Weight192.21 g/mol
CAS Number88768-11-0
PubChem CID13294447

Half-Life

INIntranasal

Not applicable

POOral

Poor bioavailability

Peptides like KPV are generally subject to rapid degradation by proteases, leading to short half-lives.

Mechanism

Mechanism of Action

KPV, a C-terminal peptide of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, exerts its anti-inflammatory effects primarily through the activation of the melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R), leading to the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. This interaction results in the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, thereby mitigating oxidative stress and apoptosis in various cell types. Additionally, KPV has shown potential in reducing HIV replication by inhibiting NF-κB activation at the transcriptional level, although the complete mechanism of action remains to be fully elucidated.

Research

49 Research Publications

1,795

Total Citations

6

Human/RCT

3.3

Avg. Influence

2026

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo, and future perspectives for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

ReviewInfluence19.0
309
The study demonstrated that KPV, a derivative of alpha-MSH, retains anti-inflammatory effects without the pigmentary action, suggesting its potential for treating immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
50 µg/mLnot specified(human)not specified1, 5 or 10 mg/mltopical(rabbit)4 days
PubMed
#02

Drug-loaded nanoparticles targeted to the colon with polysaccharide hydrogel reduce colitis in a mouse model.

Laroui Hamed, et al. · Gastroenterology · 2010

AnimalInfluence5.0
241
Researchers observed that KPV-loaded nanoparticles significantly reduced inflammatory parameters in a mouse model of colitis, demonstrating a novel drug delivery system for targeted anti-inflammatory therapy.

Key findings

  1. 01Nanoparticles successfully delivered the anti-inflammatory peptide KPV directly to the inflamed colon.
  2. 02The treatment with KPV-loaded nanoparticles significantly reduced inflammation in mice compared to those that did not receive the nanoparticles.
  3. 03This method allows for a much lower concentration of the peptide to be effective, suggesting a more efficient way to target inflammation.
50 µg/mLnot specified(human)not specified1, 5 or 10 mg/mltopical(rabbit)4 days
PubMed
#03

Orally Targeted Delivery of Tripeptide KPV via Hyaluronic Acid-Functionalized Nanoparticles Efficiently Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis.

AnimalInfluence3.0
166
Researchers observed that HA-functionalized nanoparticles loaded with KPV effectively alleviated ulcerative colitis in mice by enhancing mucosal healing and reducing inflammation.
50 µg/mLnot specified(human)not specified1, 5 or 10 mg/mltopical(rabbit)4 days
PubMed
#04

PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation.

AnimalInfluence6.0
122
Researchers observed that KPV uptake via PepT1 reduced intestinal inflammation and inhibited activation of NF-kappaB in human intestinal epithelial and immune cells.
50 µg/mLnot specified(human)not specified1, 5 or 10 mg/mltopical(rabbit)4 days
PubMed
#05

New insights into the functions of alpha-MSH and related peptides in the immune system.

ReviewInfluence3.0
85
The study demonstrated that alpha-MSH modulates immune responses by down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing IL-10 production in monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells.
50 µg/mLnot specified(human)not specified1, 5 or 10 mg/mltopical(rabbit)4 days
PubMed
#06

alpha-MSH related peptides: a new class of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating drugs.

AnimalInfluence2.0
67
The study demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory effects of alpha-MSH, primarily attributed to its C-terminal tripeptide KPV, could be developed for treating various inflammatory diseases.
50 µg/mLnot specified(human)not specified1, 5 or 10 mg/mltopical(rabbit)4 days
PubMed
#07

Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease.

Animal
60
The study demonstrated that KPV significantly reduced inflammation and improved recovery in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease, showing effects independent of melanocortin-1 receptor signaling.
50 µg/mLnot specified(human)not specified1, 5 or 10 mg/mltopical(rabbit)4 days
PubMed
#08

alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone, MSH 11-13 KPV and adrenocorticotropic hormone signalling in human keratinocyte cells.

Elliott Richard J, et al. · The Journal of investigative dermatology · 2004

Animal
52
Researchers observed that α-MSH and its tripeptides induce rapid intracellular calcium elevation in human keratinocytes, suggesting a signaling mechanism independent of cyclic AMP.

Key findings

  1. 01Researchers observed that alpha-MSH and its peptides increased intracellular calcium levels in human keratinocyte cells.
  2. 02No increase in cyclic AMP was detected in response to these hormones in either normal or transformed keratinocytes.
  3. 03Normal keratinocytes showed a distinct response to ACTH 1-17, unlike HaCaT keratinocytes.
50 µg/mLnot specified(human)not specified1, 5 or 10 mg/mltopical(rabbit)4 days
PubMed
#09

Antimicrobial effects of alpha-MSH peptides.

HumanInfluence3.0
49
The study demonstrated that alpha-MSH peptides exhibit antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, enhancing host defense mechanisms.
50 µg/mLnot specified(human)not specified1, 5 or 10 mg/mltopical(rabbit)4 days
PubMed
#10

Dissection of the anti-inflammatory effect of the core and C-terminal (KPV) alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides.

AnimalInfluence2.0
47
The study demonstrated that KPV exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in murine models of peritonitis, independent of melanocortin receptor signaling.
50 µg/mLnot specified(human)not specified1, 5 or 10 mg/mltopical(rabbit)4 days
PubMed
Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No randomized controlled human trials have been conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of KPV in treating inflammatory conditions in humans. Additionally, the long-term effects of KPV administration, particularly in the context of its use in sports and bodybuilding, remain poorly defined, raising concerns about potential adverse effects. Furthermore, the precise molecular mechanisms by which KPV exerts its anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in relation to its interaction with specific signaling pathways in human cells, are not fully elucidated.

Solubility

KPV is soluble in water and aqueous solutions.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized

Stable for 2+ years at -20°C, 12 months at 4°C

Reconstituted

Use within 14 days when refrigerated at 4°C

Avoid

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct light

Solvent

Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline recommended

Safety information is derived from published research and may not reflect all known risks. This is not medical advice.

Legal Status

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Not approved as a medicinal product. Not a controlled substance. Sale as research chemical is a legal grey area.

🇺🇸US

Not approved by the FDA as a medicinal product. Not scheduled by the DEA.

🇦🇺AU

Not listed in the TGA schedules.

🇬🇧UK

Not approved by the MHRA as a medicinal product.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

Community Insights

Community Insights

Publications per Year

49 total
3
00
1
01
2
02
2
03
1
04
1
05
3
06
1
07
3
08
2
10
3
12
1
15
2
16
3
17
1
18
2
19
1
20
1
21
2
22
2
23
3
24
4
25
5
26
Pricing

Price Comparison

  • BESTAlpha PeptidesUS
    10mg
    $28.75
    $25.88
    Price/mg
    $2.88$2.59/mg
    View−10% · PEPSTACK10
  • Ignite PeptidesUS
    10mg
    $30.00
    Price/mg
    $3.00/mg
    View
  • XL PeptidesUK
    10mg
    $30.47
    Price/mg
    $3.05/mg
    View
  • RetaOneLabsUS
    10mg
    $32.00
    Price/mg
    $3.20/mg
    View
  • Puratek PeptidesUS
    10mg
    $34.95
    $31.46
    Price/mg
    $3.50$3.15/mg
    View−10% · PEPSTACKS10

Top 5 of 56 offers from 47 vendors. Prices updated daily.

See all KPV prices
Mechanism

Tools

Reconstitution Calculator

Calculate reconstitution volumes for KPV

Serum Level Visualizer

Visualize KPV serum levels over time

Mechanism

Related Peptides

ThymulinThymosin Alpha-1Alpha-MSHThymalinVIPLL-37

Track KPV in PepStack

Log your research cycles, set reminders and visualize serum levels.

Download on theApp StoreGet it onGoogle Play
Legal Disclaimer

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer