KPV is the tripeptide lysine-proline-valine (Lys-Pro-Val), the last three amino acids (positions 11 to 13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH, SYSMEHFRWGKPV).[5][9] Pepitiva supplies KPV a...
Certificate of Analysis included with every order.
Technical Specifications
Purity
≥99%
Form
Lyophilized Powder
Storage
-20°C
Molecular Weight
342.43 g/mol (C16H30N4O4, free peptide)
Sequence
Lys-Pro-Val (α-MSH 11-13)
CAS Number
67727-97-3
About KPV
KPV is the tripeptide lysine-proline-valine (Lys-Pro-Val), the last three amino acids (positions 11 to 13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH, SYSMEHFRWGKPV).[5][9] Pepitiva supplies KPV as a lyophilized powder (10 mg vials, ≥99% purity) for in vitro and preclinical research.
KPV is one of the shortest α-MSH fragments that keeps anti-inflammatory activity. In intestinal epithelial and immune cells it inhibited NF-κB and MAP kinase signaling at nanomolar concentrations after entering the cells through the peptide transporter PepT1, and in mice it reduced chemically induced colitis.[1][2][4] Almost all published work is in cells and animals; we found no published clinical trial of KPV.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Quality & Storage
≥99% purity. Lyophilized Powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
Uptake through PepT1
KPV is carried into intestinal epithelial cells and T cells by PepT1, a di- and tripeptide transporter that is normally expressed in the small intestine and is induced in the colon during inflammatory bowel disease.[1] In a mouse model of colitis-associated cancer, KPV reduced tumorigenesis in normal mice but had no effect in mice lacking PepT1, which supports the transporter's role.[8]
NF-κB inhibition inside the cell
Intestinal cells: nanomolar KPV inhibited NF-κB and MAP kinase activation and reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.[1]
Airway epithelium: in human bronchial epithelial cells, KPV caused a dose-dependent inhibition of NF-κB, MMP-9 activity and IL-8 and eotaxin secretion. It entered the nucleus, stabilized IκBα and blocked the nuclear import of the p65 RelA subunit, apparently by competing at its importin-α3 binding site.[3]
Melanocortin receptors
Whether KPV acts through melanocortin receptors is not settled. KPV still protected mice with a non-functional MC1 receptor in DSS colitis, so its effects there appear to be at least partly independent of MC1R.[2] In human keratinocytes, KPV did not raise cyclic AMP but did trigger rapid intracellular calcium signals, and it raised calcium in cells engineered to express MC1R.[4]
Research Applications
Preclinical findings
Colitis models in mice (2008): KPV given in drinking water reduced DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.[1] In a second study, it sped recovery in DSS and T-cell transfer colitis, reduced inflammatory infiltrates and myeloperoxidase activity, and rescued all treated MC1R-deficient mice from death during DSS colitis.[2]
Targeted delivery (2017): KPV loaded into hyaluronic acid-functionalized nanoparticles reached colonic epithelial cells and macrophages and, given orally in a hydrogel, reduced mucosal damage and TNF-α in a mouse ulcerative colitis model.[7]
Corneal wounds in rabbits (2006): after epithelial abrasion, all eight KPV-treated corneas were fully re-epithelialized at 60 hours versus none with placebo; a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor blocked the effect.[6]
Antimicrobial activity in vitro (2000): α-MSH and KPV inhibited Staphylococcus aureus colony formation and reduced Candida albicans viability, including at picomolar concentrations.[5]
Laboratory research applications
Intestinal inflammation: PepT1 transport, NF-κB signaling and colitis models.
Airway and skin cell models: cytokine and chemokine secretion, calcium signaling.
Drug delivery: nanoparticle and hydrogel formulations of short peptides.
Combination studies: KPV is one of the four components of the KLOW blend, together with GHK-Cu, BPC-157 and TB-500.
KPV is not approved by health authorities for human or veterinary use. This product is sold for laboratory research only.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lys-Pro-Val peptide?
Lys-Pro-Val (KPV) is a tripeptide made of lysine, proline and valine. It is the C-terminal end (residues 11 to 13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH).
What is the molecular weight and CAS number of KPV?
342.43 g/mol for the free peptide (formula C16H30N4O4), CAS 67727-97-3 (PubChem). Salt forms such as the acetate have a higher weight; check the Certificate of Analysis.
How does KPV work?
In cell studies, KPV enters intestinal and immune cells through the peptide transporter PepT1 and inhibits NF-κB inflammatory signaling. In airway cells it blocked the nuclear import of the NF-κB subunit p65. Part of its effect appears to be independent of the MC1 receptor.
Is KPV the same as α-MSH?
No. α-MSH is a 13-amino-acid hormone; KPV is only its last three residues. KPV keeps some of the anti-inflammatory activity of α-MSH in experimental models.
Has KPV been tested in humans?
We found no published clinical trial of KPV. The evidence comes from cell cultures and animal models, mainly mouse colitis models. KPV is not an approved drug.
What is the difference between KPV and KLOW?
KPV is the single tripeptide. KLOW is a blend that contains 10 mg of KPV together with GHK-Cu, BPC-157 and TB-500.
How should KPV be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
Kannengiesser K, Maaser C, Heidemann J, et al. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008;14(3):324-331. PubMed
Land SC. 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. Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol. 2012;4(2):59-73. PubMed
Elliott RJ, Szabo M, Wagner MJ, et al. alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone, MSH 11-13 KPV and adrenocorticotropic hormone signalling in human keratinocyte cells. J Invest Dermatol. 2004;122(4):1010-1019. PubMed
Cutuli M, Cristiani S, Lipton JM, Catania A. Antimicrobial effects of alpha-MSH peptides. J Leukoc Biol. 2000;67(2):233-239. PubMed
Bonfiglio V, Camillieri G, Avitabile T, et al. Effects of the COOH-terminal tripeptide alpha-MSH(11-13) on corneal epithelial wound healing: role of nitric oxide. Exp Eye Res. 2006;83(6):1366-1372. PubMed
Xiao B, Xu Z, Viennois E, et al. Orally Targeted Delivery of Tripeptide KPV via Hyaluronic Acid-Functionalized Nanoparticles Efficiently Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis. Mol Ther. 2017;25(7):1628-1640. PubMed
Viennois E, Ingersoll SA, Ayyadurai S, et al. Critical role of PepT1 in promoting colitis-associated cancer and therapeutic benefits of the anti-inflammatory PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV in a murine model. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016;2(3):340-357. PubMed
Sources are peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and trial registrations on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each citation was checked against its PubMed record.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
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