KPV: Alpha-MSH C-Terminal Tripeptide Research Overview

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) corresponds to the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Native α-MSH is a 13-amino acid peptide with the sequence Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂. Research established in the 1980s that the C-terminal three residues retain the anti-inflammatory signaling activity of the full peptide, distinct from the melanocortin receptor-mediated pigmentation effects of the central His-Phe-Arg-Trp region.^[1]

KPV's small size makes it a research tool that captures the anti-inflammatory signaling of α-MSH without the broader melanocortin receptor pharmacology of the full peptide or the cyclic Melanotan analogs. This separation makes the compound useful for studies of α-MSH biology that focus specifically on the C-terminal signaling pathways.^[2]

KPV is studied as a research reference compound in preclinical inflammation and immunology research. It has not been approved by the FDA for any human therapeutic or medical purpose.

KPV structural features:

• Sequence: Lys-Pro-Val (3 residues, one-letter code: KPV)

• Molecular formula: C₁₆H₃₀N₄O₄

• Molecular weight: approximately 342.43 Da

• Length: 3 amino acids

• N-terminus: free amine

• C-terminus: free acid (or amide in some preparations)

KPV is among the smallest research peptides with characterized biological activity. The proline residue in the middle position constrains the backbone geometry, and the lysine/valine pair provides specific side-chain interactions that researchers propose contribute to anti-inflammatory signaling.^[2]

Synthetic KPV is straightforward to produce by either solution-phase or solid-phase peptide synthesis. The compound is stable as a lyophilized solid and readily soluble in water.

KPV's research-characterized activities focus on anti-inflammatory signaling.

Cell-based studies have examined KPV effects on the NF-κB signaling pathway in immune cells. NF-κB is a master regulator of inflammatory gene expression, and KPV-associated reduction in NF-κB activation is one of the most-reported anti-inflammatory mechanism findings in the research literature.^[3]

Preclinical studies in cultured immune cells and tissue preparations have measured KPV effects on cytokine production. Reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and other pro-inflammatory cytokines have been associated with KPV exposure in research preparations.^[4]

A subset of KPV research focuses on intestinal epithelial cells and gut barrier function. Cell-based studies have used Caco-2 monolayer preparations to examine barrier integrity and tight junction protein expression with KPV exposure.^[5]

KPV research is concentrated in anti-inflammatory and immune signaling preclinical literature.

Rodent models of induced colitis (DSS, TNBS) have examined KPV effects on colonic inflammation markers, histological injury scores, and intestinal immune cell infiltration.^[5]

Animal models of atopic dermatitis-like inflammation and other skin inflammatory conditions have included KPV in preclinical research arms.^[6]

KPV is a foundational research tool for studies dissecting which structural regions of α-MSH mediate which biological effects. Comparative work pairing KPV with other α-MSH fragments helped establish the modular nature of melanocortin peptide signaling.^[1]

KPV is among the most stable research peptides due to its small size and simple structure.

Lyophilized KPV is stable to standard storage conditions. Long-term storage at minus 20 degrees Celsius is recommended.

Sterile water or bacteriostatic water are standard reconstitution solvents. The compound dissolves readily.

HPLC for purity, mass spectrometry for identity confirmation. Each batch of Instant Peptides KPV ships with a full Certificate of Analysis.

Instant Peptides supplies KPV as a synthetic lyophilized reference compound. Material is supplied to qualified research professionals. Not for human or animal consumption.

View the product page for current pricing and the Certificate of Analysis for the active batch.