KPV
Also known as: KPV, Lysine-Proline-Valine
KPV is a tripeptide derived from the C-terminus of alpha-MSH that exerts anti-inflammatory effects without pigmentary activity. It is studied for gut inflammation, wound healing, and skin conditions.
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Mechanism of Action
KPV corresponds to the alpha-MSH(11-13) sequence and acts as an anti-inflammatory peptide that can enter cells and reach the nucleus to inhibit NF-kB activation, dampening transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6. It also interacts with the intestinal peptide transporter PepT1 on epithelial and immune cells, concentrating its action in inflamed gut tissue. Unlike full-length alpha-MSH, KPV lacks the core melanocortin pharmacophore, so it provides immunomodulation without stimulating melanocyte pigmentation.
- Half-life
- Short, estimated under 1 hour for the free tripeptide
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous, oral, topical
- Research Status
- Preclinical
Reported Benefits
- Reduces intestinal and systemic inflammatory signaling
- Studied for colitis and inflammatory bowel models
- Supports wound healing and tissue repair
- May calm inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and eczema
- Exhibits antimicrobial activity in some assays
Potential Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated in preclinical work
- Possible injection-site irritation
- Mild gastrointestinal discomfort with oral use
- Limited human safety data overall
Common Dosing
For research use only, not medical advice. Literature commonly references 200-500 mcg per day via subcutaneous or oral routes in research contexts; this is not a personal-use recommendation.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to the peptide
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Active malignancy without specialist oversight
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PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation
2008
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Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease
2008
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Inhibition of cellular and systemic inflammation cues in human bronchial epithelial cells by melanocortin-related peptides: mechanism of KPV action and a role for MC3R agonists
2012
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Critical role of PepT1 in promoting colitis-associated cancer and therapeutic benefits of the anti-inflammatory PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV in a murine model
2016