KPV: Anti-Inflammatory Tripeptide in Preclinical Research
What is KPV?
KPV is a tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Although it is only three amino acids long, this fragment retains much of the anti-inflammatory activity associated with the larger parent peptide, while lacking its pigmentary (melanocortin-receptor) effects.
This combination — anti-inflammatory activity without the pigmentation signalling of full α-MSH — is what makes KPV a focused research tool for studying inflammation pathways.
NF-κB inhibition and mucosal inflammation models
NF-κB pathway. The most studied property of KPV in preclinical models is its association with inhibition of NF-κB signalling — a master regulator of inflammatory gene expression. By dampening this pathway, KPV is studied for its association with reduced production of pro-inflammatory mediators in cell and animal models.
Gut and mucosal research. KPV has been studied particularly in models of intestinal and mucosal inflammation, where research has examined its uptake by epithelial cells and its association with reduced inflammatory markers in the gut.
Research context
KPV sits within the angiogenic & tissue research category, where it is studied alongside tissue-repair peptides such as BPC-157 and TB-500 that engage complementary repair and anti-inflammatory pathways.
Velox Peptides supply information
Velox Peptides supplies KPV as a lyophilised powder at ≥98.5% HPLC-verified purity with a batch certificate of analysis available on request. For reconstitution, see the reconstitution calculator. Supplied strictly as a research reagent for in vitro use.
References & further reading
- Luger TA, Brzoska T. “alpha-MSH related peptides: a new class of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating drugs.” Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2007.
- Dalmasso G et al. “PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation.” Gastroenterology, 2008.
Summaries are paraphrased from the peer-reviewed literature. For full source citations, email veloxpeps@gmail.com.