KPV: The Alpha-MSH Tripeptide in Inflammation Research

KPV is one of the shortest peptides in research catalogues — just three amino acids — yet it has a surprisingly specific research profile in inflammation biology.

What KPV is

KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, the C-terminal end of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). α-MSH is best known for driving skin pigmentation through the melanocortin-1 receptor, but it also has anti-inflammatory effects. KPV is studied because it seems to keep much of that anti-inflammatory activity without the pigmentation effects of the full hormone.

KPV is not a licensed medicine. Research material is for laboratory use only.

How it is thought to work

• Cell entry via PepT1. In intestinal epithelial cells, KPV is taken up by the di/tripeptide transporter PepT1, which is more abundant in inflamed gut tissue.
• NF-κB inhibition. Inside cells, KPV is reported to reduce activation of NF-κB, a master switch for inflammatory gene expression, and to lower pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Melanocortin receptors. Whether KPV acts at melanocortin receptors is debated; some activity appears to be receptor-independent.

What the research looks at

• Colitis models. Rodent models of inflammatory bowel conditions are the most-cited KPV work, including nanoparticle delivery approaches that target the colon.
• Skin inflammation. Keratinocyte and dermatitis models.
• Wound and corneal models, in smaller numbers of studies.

Related compounds

• Melanotan I is a full-length α-MSH analogue that does affect pigmentation, which makes it a useful contrast.
• KPV is one component of the KLOW blend. See our blends guide.

Limits of the evidence

The data are preclinical. Human studies are lacking, and the mechanism is still being worked out.

Comparing KPV listings

1. Verify identity. Very short peptides are easy to mislabel. Check that the mass-spec result matches the expected mass (about 342 Da).
2. Compare price per mg on our KPV comparison page.
3. Check whether it's acetylated or amidated. Some products modify the termini.

Summary

KPV is an α-MSH-derived tripeptide studied for anti-inflammatory signalling in gut and skin models. PeptideCompare provides no dosing or usage guidance, and nothing here is for human or veterinary use.