KPV

Description

Overview

KPV is a synthetic tripeptide composed of three L-amino acids – L-lysine, L-proline and L-valine (sequence H-Lys-Pro-Val-OH). It corresponds to the C-terminal fragment (residues 11–13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and is the short sequence most often credited in the literature with the parent hormone’s anti-inflammatory activity. G Peptide Labs supplies KPV strictly as a research reference material intended for in-vitro and preclinical laboratory investigation only. It is not a drug, supplement, cosmetic, or food, and it is not intended for human or veterinary use.

This lyophilized peptide is manufactured to a documented purity of ≥98% by reversed-phase HPLC, with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry. Each lot ships with a batch-specific third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) so that researchers can verify what they are working with before an experiment begins.

Research Context

KPV has been studied primarily in cell-culture systems and rodent models of inflammation. Because it reproduces much of α-MSH’s anti-inflammatory profile without the pigmentary (melanocortin) signalling of the full hormone, it is frequently used as a minimal, stable probe for inflammatory pathways.

• In cultured intestinal epithelial and immune cells, investigators have examined how KPV dampens pro-inflammatory signalling at nanomolar concentrations.
• In murine colitis models (DSS, TNBS and CD45RB-high T-cell transfer), oral KPV has been reported to reduce inflammatory markers and tissue damage.
• Comparative work has used KPV to probe the di/tripeptide transporter PepT1 as a route of cellular uptake in the inflamed gut.

All such findings are laboratory observations reported by third-party researchers. They are described here to provide scientific context for handling and experimental design, and they do not constitute claims of any benefit in humans.

Mechanism of Interest

Mechanistic reports in the preclinical literature describe several pathways that researchers investigate when working with KPV in vitro and in animal models:

• NF-κB pathway modulation – reported inhibition of NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation in stimulated cells.
• MAP-kinase signalling – reported attenuation of MAPK (including p38) activation linked to cytokine production.
• Pro-inflammatory cytokine output – reduced secretion of mediators such as IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6/IL-8 in culture.
• PepT1-mediated uptake – entry into intestinal epithelial and immune cells via the di/tripeptide transporter hPepT1, which is up-regulated during inflammation.
• Melanocortin-independent activity – anti-inflammatory effects reported at least partly independently of melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) signalling.

These are areas of active preclinical inquiry rather than established mechanisms, and they are provided solely to orient laboratory study.

Specifications

• Peptide name: KPV (lysine-proline-valine tripeptide); α-MSH(11–13)
• Sequence: H-Lys-Pro-Val-OH (H-KPV-OH)
• Molecular formula: C16H30N4O4 (free base)
• Molecular weight: ≈342.4 g/mol (average, free base)
• CAS number: 67727-97-3 (free base)
• Purity: ≥98% by RP-HPLC; identity confirmed by MS
• Physical form: White lyophilized powder
• Counterion: Commonly supplied as the acetate salt; consult the lot COA (the salt form raises the measured mass accordingly)

Handling, Reconstitution & Storage

KPV should be handled only by qualified personnel using appropriate laboratory practice, personal protective equipment, and fume-management as required by your institutional protocols.

• Storage of lyophilized powder: store sealed at -20 °C, protected from light and moisture; the powder is stable for extended periods under these conditions.
• Reconstitution: researchers typically reconstitute with sterile bacteriostatic or sterile water for laboratory use, adding solvent slowly against the vial wall and swirling gently rather than shaking.
• After reconstitution: aliquot to minimise freeze-thaw cycles; store working solutions refrigerated at 2–8 °C for short-term use or frozen at -20 °C for longer intervals.
• Best practice: allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation, and record reconstitution date and concentration on each aliquot.

Quality & Verification

Every lot of KPV from G Peptide Labs is accompanied by a batch-specific third-party Certificate of Analysis. The COA documents the analytical evidence behind the material so that results can be attributed to a known, characterised reference compound.

• HPLC chromatogram establishing chromatographic purity (≥98%).
• Mass-spectrometry data confirming the expected molecular weight and identity.
• Lot number and analysis date for full traceability.

We recommend matching the lot number on your vial to the accompanying COA before beginning any experiment. This product is sold in Canada for laboratory research use only.

Selected Research

Peer-reviewed references provided for scientific context; they describe laboratory and preclinical findings only.

1. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. Dalmasso G, Charrier-Hisamuddin L, Nguyen HTT, Yan Y, Sitaraman S, Merlin D, 2008. PMID: 18061177
2. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Kannengiesser K, Maaser C, Heidemann J, Luegering A, Ross M, Brzoska T, et al., 2008. PMID: 18092346
3. Dissection of the anti-inflammatory effect of the core and C-terminal (KPV) alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Getting SJ, Schioth HB, Perretti M, 2003. DOI: 10.1124/jpet.103.051623