Wiki · Profile

KPV

Lys-Pro-Val · alpha-MSH(11-13)

Immune SystemPreclinical

MW: 192.21g/mol
Formula: C11H12O3

Lysine-Proline-Valine (KPV) is a tripeptide derived from the C-terminal region of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, classified as an endogenous neuroimmunomodulatory peptide. Researchers primarily study KPV for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential protective effects against environmental stressors on skin health. Key findings indicate that KPV mitigates oxidative stress and inflammation in keratinocytes exposed to fine particulate matter, while also demonstrating the ability to inhibit vascular calcification through self-assembled nanoparticles that regulate inflammation and autophagy. Current research status highlights ongoing investigations into KPV's mechanisms of action in various skin conditions, including vitiligo, and its application in novel therapeutic strategies.

Chemical Profile

Chemical Structure

Formula	C11H12O3
Molecular Weight	192.21 g/mol
CAS Number	88768-11-0
PubChem CID	13294447

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 exerts its protective effects primarily through the modulation of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways, inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, such as IL-1β. It also mitigates oxidative stress by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which in turn prevents the activation of caspase-1 and apoptosis-related proteins, thereby promoting cell survival and reducing inflammation. While the precise receptors involved in KPV's action are not fully elucidated, its effects are linked to the modulation of melanocortin receptors and downstream signaling pathways in inflammatory cells.

Research

48 Research Publications

1,748

Total Citations

Human/RCT

3.5

Avg. Influence

2026

Latest

Sort

Filter

01Top

#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

303

The review concluded that KPV, a derivative of alpha-MSH, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects without pigmentary action, making it a promising candidate for treating immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

50 µg/mLnot specified(human)not specified1, 5 or 10 mg/mltopical(rabbit)4 days2.5% DSS or 4% DSSnot specified(mouse)not specified12,000-fold lower than that of KPV in free solutionnot specified(not specified)not specified20-fold lower dosenot specified(not specified)not specified

PubMed

02Top

#02

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

Laroui Hamed, et al. · Gastroenterology · 2010

AnimalInfluence4.0

239

Researchers observed that nanoparticles loaded with the anti-inflammatory tripeptide KPV effectively reduced inflammatory parameters in a mouse model of colitis, demonstrating therapeutic efficacy at significantly lower concentrations compared to free KPV.

Key findings

01Nanoparticles successfully delivered the anti-inflammatory peptide KPV directly to the inflamed colon.
02The treatment with KPV-loaded nanoparticles significantly reduced inflammation in mice compared to those that did not receive the nanoparticles.
03This method allows for a much lower concentration of the peptide to be effective, suggesting a more efficient way to target inflammation.

PubMed

03Top

#03

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

AnimalInfluence3.0

164

The study demonstrated that hyaluronic acid-functionalized nanoparticles effectively deliver KPV to colonic cells, significantly alleviating inflammation and promoting mucosal healing in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis.

PubMed

#04

PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation.

AnimalInfluence6.0

122

The study demonstrated that KPV uptake via the PepT1 transporter significantly reduced intestinal inflammation in mouse models of colitis by inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways.

PubMed

#05

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

ReviewInfluence3.0

The review suggested that alpha-MSH and its tripeptide KPV modulate immune responses by downregulating proinflammatory cytokines and enhancing IL-10 production, indicating their therapeutic potential for inflammatory diseases.

PubMed

#06

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

AnimalInfluence2.0

Researchers observed that the anti-inflammatory effects of alpha-MSH, primarily attributed to its C-terminal tripeptide KPV, could modulate inflammatory responses in various animal models of inflammation.

PubMed

#07

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

Animal

Researchers observed that the melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects in two murine models of colitis, leading to improved recovery and reduced inflammatory changes.

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

In Vitro

The study demonstrated that KPV and alpha-MSH induce rapid intracellular calcium signaling in human keratinocytes, independent of cyclic AMP pathways.

Key findings

01Researchers observed that alpha-MSH and its peptides increased intracellular calcium levels in human keratinocyte cells.
02No increase in cyclic AMP was detected in response to these hormones in either normal or transformed keratinocytes.
03Normal keratinocytes showed a distinct response to ACTH 1-17, unlike HaCaT keratinocytes.

PubMed

#09

Antimicrobial effects of alpha-MSH peptides.

In VitroInfluence3.0

Researchers observed that alpha-MSH peptides, including KPV, exhibited antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, enhancing host defense mechanisms.

PubMed

#10

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

AnimalInfluence2.0

Researchers observed that KPV exhibits anti-inflammatory effects distinct from core MSH peptides, likely through mechanisms independent of melanocortin receptors in a mouse model of peritonitis.

PubMed

Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No randomized controlled human trials have been conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of KPV in treating skin conditions or vascular calcification in humans. Additionally, the long-term effects of KPV treatment on skin health and systemic inflammation remain unclear, as well as the precise molecular mechanisms by which KPV modulates autophagy and inflammasome activation in different cell types.

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

🇩🇪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

Publications per Year

47 total

Pricing

Price Comparison

BESTSunrise BioresearchUS
50mg
$139.70
Price/mg
$2.79/mg
View
Sunrise BioresearchUS
10mg
$28.22
Price/mg
$2.82/mg
View
Alpha 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
Puratek PeptidesUS
10mg
$34.95
$31.46
Price/mg
$3.50$3.15/mg
View−10% · PEPSTACKS10

Vendor	Amount	Price	Price/mg	Link
BESTSunrise BioresearchUS	50mg	$139.70	$2.79/mg	View
Sunrise BioresearchUS	10mg	$28.22	$2.82/mg	View
Alpha PeptidesUS	10mg	$28.75$25.88	$2.88$2.59/mg	View−10% · PEPSTACK10
Ignite PeptidesUS	10mg	$30.00	$3.00/mg	View
Puratek PeptidesUS	10mg	$34.95$31.46	$3.50$3.15/mg	View−10% · PEPSTACKS10

Top 5 of 52 offers from 44 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

VIP Larazotide Thymulin Angiotensin 1-7 Alpha-MSH LL-37

Track KPV in PepStack

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

Download on theApp Store Get 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