Research Area
Immune & Inflammation Research
Immune research peptides include endogenous antimicrobial molecules, regulatory fragments of larger immune proteins, and tripeptides studied for their effects on inflammatory cytokine cascades.
Research Use Only. All content on this page is for educational purposes. Compounds discussed are supplied solely for laboratory and research use. Where the active ingredient overlaps with an approved medication of the same name, the research compound is not the same product as any FDA-approved formulation containing the same active ingredient.
Thymosin α-1 (Tα1) is a 28-amino-acid peptide fragment of prothymosin α, originally isolated from thymus tissue. Research interest centers on its effects on T-cell maturation, dendritic cell function, and innate-immune signaling via toll-like receptor pathways.
LL-37 (cathelicidin LL-37) is the only human cathelicidin-derived antimicrobial peptide, with characterized direct antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses, as well as immunomodulatory signaling roles. KPV (Lys-Pro-Val), the C-terminal tripeptide of α-MSH, is studied for its anti-inflammatory effects independent of melanocortin receptor activation.
ARA 290 (cibinetide) is an 11-amino-acid peptide derived from the helix B sequence of erythropoietin; it retains EPO's tissue-protective signaling through the heteromeric β-common receptor without erythropoietic activity, making it a frequent reference in cytokine and inflammation research.
Compounds in this area
Thymosin Alpha-1: 28-Amino Acid Immunomodulator Research Overview
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) is a 28-amino acid acidic peptide originally identified in thymic tissue extracts. It has been studied for decades in immunology research, particularly in models of T-cell maturation and signaling, immune modulation, and more recently Toll-like receptor pathway interactions. This page summarizes the published preclinical literature.
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LL-37: Human Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide Research Overview
LL-37 is the only cathelicidin-class antimicrobial peptide in humans. It is a 37-amino acid amphipathic peptide derived from the C-terminal of the human cathelicidin antimicrobial protein hCAP18. The compound has been extensively studied in preclinical research on innate immune defense, microbial membrane disruption, and immunomodulatory signaling. This page summarizes the published literature.
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KPV: Alpha-MSH C-Terminal Tripeptide Research Overview
KPV is a tripeptide consisting of just three amino acids. Lysine, Proline, Valine, corresponding to the C-terminal three residues of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH 11-13). Despite its small size, KPV has been extensively studied in preclinical models of anti-inflammatory signaling. This page summarizes the published research.
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ARA-290 (Cibinetide): EPO-Derived Tissue Protection Peptide Research Overview
ARA-290, also known as Cibinetide or helix-B surface peptide (HBSP), is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the surface of erythropoietin's helix B. The compound was designed to dissociate erythropoietin's tissue-protective signaling from its hematopoietic activity, providing a research tool for studying tissue-protective receptor pathways independently. This page summarizes the published preclinical research.
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VIP: Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Research Overview
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide originally isolated from porcine duodenum by Said and Mutt in 1970. The compound is a member of the secretin/glucagon peptide superfamily and engages VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors. This page summarizes the published preclinical research on VIP's pharmacology and laboratory applications.
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Related research areas
This page references compounds by their International Nonproprietary Name (INN) — the scientific designation used in PubMed and FDA literature. Brand-name medications are not referenced. All compounds are supplied as research-grade reference standards for laboratory and analytical use only.