Wiki · Profile

KPV

Lys-Pro-Val · alpha-MSH(11-13)

Immune SystemPreclinical

MW: 192.21g/mol
Formula: C11H12O3

KPV, or lysine-proline-valine, is a tripeptide derived from the C-terminal sequence of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, classified as an endogenous peptide with notable anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers primarily study KPV for its potential therapeutic applications in conditions characterized by inflammation, such as vascular calcification and skin damage due to environmental pollutants. Key findings from recent studies indicate that KPV can mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation in keratinocytes exposed to fine particulate matter, while also demonstrating efficacy in inhibiting vascular calcification through the modulation of inflammatory responses and autophagy. Current research is focused on exploring KPV's mechanisms of action and its applications in innovative drug delivery systems, including carrier-free nanoparticles and transdermal delivery methods.

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, a tripeptide derived from α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, exerts its anti-inflammatory effects primarily through the modulation of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibiting oxidative stress and reducing IL-1β secretion in keratinocytes. It interacts with the oligopeptide transporter PepT1 for cellular uptake, which may enhance its therapeutic efficacy in conditions like ulcerative colitis and vitiligo by regulating inflammasome activation and autophagy processes. The precise mechanisms of KPV's action, particularly its interactions with specific receptors and downstream effects on various signaling pathways, remain to be fully elucidated.

Research

48 Research Publications

1,730

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

Researchers observed that KPV, a derivative of alpha-MSH, shows promise as an anti-inflammatory therapy for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases due to its lack of pigmentary effects.

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 specified0.1, 1 and 10 microMin vitro(not specified)not specified2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)not specified(rat)not specifiednot specifiedoral(mouse)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

240

The study demonstrated that KPV-loaded nanoparticles effectively reduced inflammatory parameters in a mouse model of colitis, showcasing a novel targeted delivery system for inflammatory bowel disease.

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

163

Researchers observed that HA-functionalized nanoparticles loaded with KPV effectively alleviated ulcerative colitis in a mouse model by enhancing mucosal healing and reducing inflammation.

PubMed

#04

PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation.

AnimalInfluence6.0

122

The study demonstrated that KPV uptake via PepT1 reduces intestinal inflammation in mouse models of colitis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

#05

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

AnimalInfluence3.0

Researchers observed that alpha-MSH and its tripeptide KPV modulate the function of antigen-presenting cells and induce tolerance in a mouse model of contact hypersensitivity.

PubMed

#06

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

ReviewInfluence2.0

The study demonstrated that alpha-MSH and its C-terminal tripeptide KPV possess significant anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting their potential for developing new treatments for various inflammatory diseases.

PubMed

#07

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

Animal

The study demonstrated that the melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV significantly reduces inflammation and promotes recovery in two murine models of inflammatory bowel disease.

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

Researchers observed that KPV and other MSH peptides induced rapid intracellular calcium responses in human keratinocytes without elevating cyclic AMP, suggesting alternative signaling 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

The study demonstrated that alpha-MSH and its tripeptide KPV exhibited antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, enhancing innate 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

The study demonstrated that KPV exhibited anti-inflammatory effects distinct from core MSH peptides, likely acting through mechanisms independent of melanocortin receptors in a mouse model of peritonitis.

PubMed

Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No clinical trials involving human subjects have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KPV in treating vascular calcification or skin damage from environmental pollutants. Additionally, the long-term effects of KPV treatment on inflammatory pathways and its potential side effects in chronic conditions remain unclear, as do the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its protective effects in keratinocytes and melanocytes.

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

45 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
Ignite PeptidesUS
10mg
$30.00
Price/mg
$3.00/mg
View
XL PeptidesUK
10mg
$31.10
Price/mg
$3.11/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
Ignite PeptidesUS	10mg	$30.00	$3.00/mg	View
XL PeptidesUK	10mg	$31.10	$3.11/mg	View
Puratek PeptidesUS	10mg	$34.95$31.46	$3.50$3.15/mg	View−10% · PEPSTACKS10

Top 5 of 53 offers from 48 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

Angiotensin 1-7 Thymulin Thymosin Alpha-1 Larazotide Alpha-MSH VIP

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