KPV

Research Benefits

• Anti-Inflammatory — KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory properties through NF-κB inhibition.
• Gut Inflammation Research — KPV has shown particular promise in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) models, reducing colonic inflammation and mucosal damage in rodent studies.
• Antimicrobial Activity — Research indicates KPV possesses direct antimicrobial properties against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, independent of its immunomodulatory effects.
• Minimal Melanocortin Side Effects — Unlike full-length α-MSH, KPV retains anti-inflammatory activity without significant melanogenic or behavioral effects, enabling cleaner experimental designs.

Mechanism of Action

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a tripeptide derived from the C-terminal sequence (residues 11-13) of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Despite lacking the melanocortin receptor-binding pharmacophore (His-Phe-Arg-Trp), KPV retains significant anti-inflammatory activity through non-melanocortin mechanisms.

NF-κB Inhibition: KPV enters cells and directly inhibits nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit, suppressing transcription of pro-inflammatory genes including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS.

PepT1 Transporter Entry: In intestinal epithelial cells, KPV is absorbed via the oligopeptide transporter PepT1 (SLC15A1), enabling intracellular delivery in the gut mucosa. This transporter-mediated uptake underlies its efficacy in IBD models.

Inflammasome Modulation: KPV has been shown to suppress NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation, reducing IL-1β and IL-18 secretion from macrophages.

Direct Antimicrobial: KPV exerts bactericidal effects through membrane interaction, similar to other cationic antimicrobial peptides, at concentrations achievable in the gut lumen.

Research Protocol

Derived from published research. For research use only.

Reconstitution

Reconstitute lyophilized KPV in sterile water or PBS. Typical stock: 1-5 mg/mL.

Research Dosing (from published studies)

• In vitro (anti-inflammatory): 1-100 μM in cell culture for NF-κB and cytokine assays.
• In vivo (IBD models, murine): 200 μg/kg/day orally or 50 μg/kg/day intraperitoneally in DSS or TNBS colitis models.
• Antimicrobial MIC: 10-100 μg/mL depending on bacterial species.

Storage

Lyophilized at -20°C. Reconstituted at 2-8°C, use within 14 days.

Safety & Handling

Research Use Only.

Storage Conditions

• Lyophilized: -20°C, protected from light
• Reconstituted: 2-8°C, 14 days; or aliquot and freeze at -80°C

Known Considerations from Literature

• KPV is generally well-tolerated in published animal studies with no significant adverse effects at standard doses.
• Unlike full α-MSH, KPV does not significantly activate melanocortin receptors, minimizing off-target melanogenic or appetitive effects.
• Oral bioavailability is enhanced by PepT1 transporter uptake in the gut; parenteral routes bypass this mechanism.

Handling

Standard PPE. Sterile technique for reconstitution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is KPV?

KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from the C-terminus of alpha-MSH. It retains the parent peptide's anti-inflammatory activity while lacking melanocortin receptor binding, making it a focused anti-inflammatory research tool.

How does KPV reach the gut?

KPV is absorbed by intestinal epithelial cells via the PepT1 oligopeptide transporter (SLC15A1), which is highly expressed in the small intestine and colon. This enables oral delivery with local gut activity.

Does KPV cause skin darkening?

No. KPV lacks the melanocortin receptor-binding pharmacophore (His-Phe-Arg-Trp core) and does not significantly activate MC1R, the receptor responsible for melanogenesis.

What purity is this product?

BeaCapra KPV is ≥99% pure by HPLC, with COA provided for each lot.