KPV's primary research mechanism is direct inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation. In cell culture models, KPV treatment prevents NF-κB from entering the nucleus and activating pro-inflammatory gene transcription, reducing production of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, and other inflammatory mediators. This occurs without melanocortin receptor involvement — a key mechanistic distinction.1
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KPV
$59.99
KPV is a tripeptide fragment (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from the α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Supplied as a high-purity research peptide, KPV 10 mg is used exclusively in controlled laboratory settings for studies exploring cellular interactions, peptide signaling, and structure–function relationships. For research purposes only.
QuantityStandard research vial
PuritySee COA
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Product Overview
KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). While α-MSH is best known for its role in pigmentation, its C-terminal KPV fragment has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties independent of melanocortin receptor activation — working through direct inhibition of NF-κB, the master transcription factor regulating inflammatory gene expression.
This receptor-independent anti-inflammatory mechanism makes KPV distinct from other melanocortin-derived peptides in the OSYRIS catalog (Melanotan 2, PT-141), which work through melanocortin receptor activation. KPV's small size (three amino acids) and its direct NF-κB interaction represent a different pharmacological approach to studying inflammatory pathways.
Research Applications
Mechanism and Experimental Context
KPV has been studied in models of intestinal inflammation, including cell culture models using colonic epithelial cells and animal models of colitis. Research demonstrated that KPV reduced inflammatory markers and improved mucosal barrier function in these models. The gut inflammation research is notable because KPV's small size may allow transport across epithelial barriers.2
KPV has been investigated in dermatological inflammation models, including keratinocyte cultures treated with pro-inflammatory stimuli. KPV treatment reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in these models, suggesting potential relevance to inflammatory skin conditions in research contexts.3
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Referenced Studies
Source Literature
[1]
Brzoska T, et al. "Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo." Advances in Protein Chemistry, 2008. PubMed: PMID 18605237
[2]
Dalmasso G, et al. "The anti-inflammatory peptide KPV attenuates inflammatory colitis." PLoS ONE, 2008. PubMed: PMID 18941502
[3]
Luger TA, et al. "New insights into the functions of alpha-MSH and related peptides in the immune system." Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2003.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch Documentation
Current published batch documentation is surfaced on-page whenever the provider exposes a public COA asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About KPV
KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) from the C-terminal end of alpha-MSH. It is studied for anti-inflammatory effects through direct NF-κB inhibition, independent of melanocortin receptor activation.
KPV prevents NF-κB — the master inflammatory transcription factor — from entering the cell nucleus and activating inflammatory genes. This reduces production of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and other pro-inflammatory mediators.
All three derive from melanocortin-related peptides, but KPV works through a completely different mechanism. MT-II and PT-141 activate melanocortin receptors. KPV inhibits NF-κB directly without melanocortin receptor involvement.
Its primary research application is anti-inflammatory signaling through NF-κB inhibition, which is an immune pathway. Its mechanism is more relevant to immune defense than to pigmentation or metabolism.
No. Research compound sold exclusively for laboratory research.
Lyophilized at 2-8°C or -20°C. Protect from light.
Independently tested via HPLC and LC-MS. COA downloadable on this page.
KLOW combines KPV with BPC-157, TB500, and GHK-Cu. It targets both anti-inflammatory pathways (KPV) and tissue repair mechanisms (the other three compounds).
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