KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) — Melanocortin-Derived Anti-Inflammatory Research Tripeptide | Klene Peptides
For Research Use Only | Not for Human or Veterinary Administration
KPV — the tripeptide Lysine-Proline-Valine — is one of the most compact yet mechanistically potent peptide fragments under active investigation in inflammatory biology. Derived from the C-terminal region of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), KPV retains the core anti-inflammatory bioactivity of its parent molecule at a fraction of the molecular mass. Its ability to engage melanocortin receptors, suppress NF-κB signaling, and traverse intestinal epithelium via PepT1-mediated active transport has made it a primary subject for research in inflammatory bowel disease, mucosal healing, dermatological inflammation, and wound repair. Klene Peptides supplies KPV to USA research institutions with verified purity and same-day order fulfillment.
Every vial from Klene Peptides includes:
- ≥99%+ purity — verified by HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
- HPLC-MS (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry)
- Same-day shipping for all USA orders
Chemical Identity & Structural Profile
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lysyl-Prolyl-Valine |
| Sequence | H-Lys-Pro-Val-OH |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₆H₃₁N₅O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | ~355.4 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 69432-75-3 |
| Parent Molecule | Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH) — C-terminal fragment (residues 11–13) |
| Appearance | White to off-white lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Water, aqueous buffers, 0.9% saline |
| Storage | Lyophilized: −20°C; Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 14–21 days |
KPV corresponds to the last three amino acids of α-MSH (Ac-SYSMEHFRWGKPV-NH₂). Research has consistently demonstrated that this C-terminal tripeptide preserves the core anti-inflammatory signaling competency of the full 13-amino acid parent sequence. Critically, at physiological research concentrations, KPV is not melanotropic — a selectivity advantage for protocols focused purely on anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Mechanism of Action
KPV operates through a convergent multi-pathway mechanism, engaging both receptor-dependent and receptor-independent anti-inflammatory pathways.
Primary Receptor Interactions
| Receptor | Activity | Downstream Effect |
|---|---|---|
| MC1R (Melanocortin 1 Receptor) | Moderate agonist | cAMP elevation → PKA activation → NF-κB suppression |
| MC3R (Melanocortin 3 Receptor) | Moderate agonist | Anti-inflammatory signaling in immune cell populations |
| MC5R | Weak interaction | Peripheral and exocrine anti-inflammatory modulation |
Key Signaling Events
| Pathway | Effect | Research Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| NF-κB inhibition | Reduced transcription of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α | Core mechanism for IBD, dermatitis, and arthritis models |
| MAPK (ERK1/2) modulation | Reduced pro-inflammatory kinase activity | Neutrophil and macrophage activation studies |
| PepT1 (SLC15A1) transport | Active uptake across intestinal epithelium | Enables oral and luminal delivery research |
| STAT3 suppression | Reduced chronic inflammatory signaling | Colitis and IBD experimental models |
| Tight junction protein upregulation | Improved epithelial barrier integrity | Intestinal permeability and mucosal healing research |
The PepT1 transporter interaction is particularly significant: KPV is actively taken up by intestinal epithelial cells through the di/tripeptide transporter, conferring oral bioavailability characteristics highly unusual among peptides — a feature that distinguishes it as a research tool for mucosal delivery studies.
Pharmacokinetic & ADME Profile
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | ~355.4 g/mol | Favorable for mucosal penetration |
| Oral Bioavailability | Moderate (PepT1-dependent) | Higher than typical for peptides of similar size |
| Routes (Research) | SC, IP, oral, topical | All investigated in published literature |
| Plasma Half-Life | ~30–60 minutes (estimate) | Short; nanoparticle encapsulation under investigation |
| Tissue Distribution | Mucosal tissue, skin, systemic compartments | Rapid tissue uptake demonstrated |
| Metabolism | Dipeptidyl peptidase, exopeptidases | Standard tripeptide degradation pathways |
| Excretion | Renal | Metabolite clearance via kidney |
Research note: Multiple published investigations have employed nanoparticle-encapsulated KPV formulations (hydrogel nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles) to extend local concentration in mucosal and dermal tissues — an active area of formulation science for this compound.
Research Applications
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) & Colitis Models
| Outcome Measure | Observed Effect |
|---|---|
| Disease Activity Index (DAI) | Significant reduction across models |
| Colon histopathology score | Reduced crypt damage, improved mucosal preservation |
| Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) | Statistically significant suppression |
| Tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin) | Upregulation; improved barrier function |
| Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity | Reduced neutrophil infiltration |
Key reference: Carriere V et al., J Clin Invest 2007; Ding J et al., J Control Release 2020
Wound Healing & Tissue Repair
MC1R and MC3R activation accelerates wound closure through:
- Enhanced keratinocyte migration and proliferation
- Macrophage phenotype switching (M1 → M2 pro-healing polarization)
- Increased VEGF-mediated angiogenesis at wound margins
- Reduced TGF-β1-driven scar formation signaling
Dermatological Inflammation Research
KPV research in atopic dermatitis, contact hypersensitivity, and psoriasis models demonstrates activity as a topical anti-inflammatory agent, acting through keratinocyte MC1R to suppress local cytokine cascades without the systemic immunosuppression associated with conventional pharmacological agents.
Neuroinflammation Models
Emerging research has examined KPV in neuroinflammation contexts, where melanocortin receptor subtypes expressed in microglial cell populations mediate anti-inflammatory signaling relevant to chronic CNS inflammatory disease models.
Research Dosing Reference
For scientific reference only — not prescriptive recommendations
| Research Model | Reported Dose Range | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murine colitis (in vivo) | 50–500 mcg/kg/day | SC, IP, oral | 7–21 days |
| Wound healing (rodent) | 100–300 mcg/kg | Topical, SC | Per protocol |
| Dermatitis models | 25–200 mcg/kg | SC, topical | 5–14 days |
| In vitro cell assays | 0.1–10 µM | Cell culture media | Per experiment |
Dosing ranges derived from PMC-indexed peer-reviewed preclinical research.
Reconstitution Reference
| Lyophilized Amount | Sterile/Bacteriostatic Water | Resulting Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 1.0 mL | 5.0 mg/mL |
| 5 mg | 2.5 mL | 2.0 mg/mL |
| 10 mg | 5.0 mL | 2.0 mg/mL |
Klene Peptides Quality Standards
Certificate of Analysis — Standard Parameters
Every batch supplied by Klene Peptides is verified against the following analytical benchmarks:
| Test | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | ≥99% | HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) |
| Molecular Identification | Confirmed | HPLC-MS (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry) |
| Water Content | <1.5% | — |
What Every Klene Peptides Order Includes
- Lot-specific Certificate of Analysis traceable to synthesis batch
- Verified cold-chain shipping — all orders dispatched with appropriate cold-pack packaging
- Same-day fulfillment — orders placed before cutoff ship the same business day
Ordering KPV for Your Research Program
Important Research Compliance Notice
All products sold by Klene Peptides are strictly for in vitro research and laboratory investigation purposes only. KPV supplied by KlenePeptides.net has not been evaluated by the FDA for human safety or efficacy. It is not approved for human or veterinary administration. Purchase, possession, and use must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This content is intended for licensed researchers and qualified scientific personnel only.
Scientific References
- Carriere V, et al. "Melanocortin receptor agonist alpha-MSH inhibits intestinal inflammation." J Clin Invest. 2007.
- Ding J, et al. "Oral delivery of KPV in nanoparticles reduces experimental colitis." J Control Release. 2020.
- Getting SJ. "Targeting melanocortin receptors as potential novel anti-inflammatory agents." Pharmacol Ther. 2006;111(1):1-15.
- Rajora N, et al. "Alpha-MSH production, receptors, and influence on neopterin in a human monocyte/macrophage cell line." J Leukoc Biol. 1996;59(2):248-53.
- Brzoska T, et al. "Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, anti-inflammatory and protective effects." Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008;1131:111-119.
- PepT1 (SLC15A1) transporter pharmacology. Bhardwaj RK, et al. Pharm Res. 2006.
- PubChem. KPV Tripeptide. CID: 121695. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov