What Is KPV?

KPV is a tripeptide consisting of the amino acids lysine-proline-valine (Lys-Pro-Val). It represents the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a 13-amino acid neuropeptide derived from the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor. α-MSH exerts a range of physiological effects through the melanocortin receptor family; KPV has been studied specifically for its activity at melanocortin-1 (MC1R) and melanocortin-3 (MC3R) receptors, and as a tool compound for dissecting α-MSH’s anti-inflammatory signalling independent of its pigmentation and adrenocortical functions. TrueCanPeptides supplies KPV 10mg for verified laboratory research.

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Mechanism of Action

KPV’s proposed anti-inflammatory activity has been linked to its interaction with melanocortin receptors, particularly MC1R and MC3R. Both receptors are expressed in immune cells including macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells, where melanocortin signalling has been associated with attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production (including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in cell culture models.

Research has also investigated KPV’s ability to modulate NF-κB pathway activity downstream of receptor engagement. In intestinal epithelial cell models, KPV has been studied for its capacity to influence inflammatory signalling cascades — some research has examined peptide transport via the PepT1 transporter system, which recognises di- and tripeptides and may facilitate intracellular access in epithelial contexts.

KPV lacks the methionine and histidine residues present in the full α-MSH sequence that are responsible for ACTH-like and MC2R-mediated adrenocortical signalling, making it a selective tool for investigating melanocortin receptor biology in immune and epithelial research models.

Research Applications

KPV has been investigated across several preclinical research areas:

• Melanocortin receptor research: Used to characterise MC1R and MC3R signalling in immune cell models, helping delineate melanocortin-dependent anti-inflammatory pathways.
• Anti-inflammatory signalling: Studied in macrophage, monocyte, and dendritic cell models for attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion.
• Intestinal epithelial biology: Investigated in cell models for modulation of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory cascades and potential PepT1-mediated intracellular access.
• α-MSH fragment biology: Used as a tool to map structure-activity relationships within the α-MSH sequence and isolate C-terminal melanocortin activity.

All listed applications are investigational. Visit the TrueCanPeptides Research Hub →

Storage & Handling

KPV should be stored lyophilised at −20°C in a sealed, desiccated container. Reconstitute in sterile water or a suitable buffer compatible with your assay system. Due to its small tripeptide size, KPV solutions should be handled with care to avoid adsorption to container surfaces in dilute preparations. Aliquot and store at −80°C for extended use; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

See the Peptide Storage Guide and quality and purity standards.

Related Research

Researchers studying melanocortin receptor biology and anti-inflammatory peptide signalling may also find value in:

• ARA-290 — anti-inflammatory peptide studied in IRR-mediated signalling and neuroprotection research
• VIP — neuropeptide studied in neuroimmune modulation and cytokine regulation
• Thymalin — thymic peptide preparation studied in immunomodulatory and gerontology research

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Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational and research purposes only. The compounds discussed on this page are not approved for human therapeutic use by Health Canada or any other regulatory authority. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. TrueCanPeptides supplies research compounds strictly for in vitro and laboratory research use. All information presented is derived from published preclinical and early-phase research literature and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

KPV: MSH-Derived Tripeptide Research Background

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a tripeptide fragment derived from the C-terminal sequence of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Full-length α-MSH (13 amino acids) exerts anti-inflammatory effects through both melanocortin receptor-dependent and receptor-independent mechanisms. Research examining which portion of the α-MSH sequence is responsible for its anti-inflammatory biology identified the C-terminal tripeptide KPV as retaining anti-inflammatory activity in cell models — even in the absence of melanocortin receptor binding.

This makes KPV mechanistically distinct from full α-MSH and from Melanotan peptides (MT-1, MT-2): while those compounds are studied primarily for their melanocortin receptor agonism, KPV’s proposed anti-inflammatory mechanisms appear to involve alternative pathways — proposed to include NF-κB signalling suppression and direct nuclear localization in macrophages and gut epithelial cells.

Structure and Chemistry

• Sequence: Lys-Pro-Val (C-terminal tripeptide of α-MSH)
• Amino acids: 3
• Molecular weight: ~341 Da
• Relation to α-MSH: Positions 11-13 of the 13-AA α-MSH sequence
• Receptor activity: Minimal melanocortin receptor binding; proposed receptor-independent anti-inflammatory mechanism
• Format: Lyophilized powder; water-soluble

Research Areas

• Gut epithelial biology: KPV has been studied in intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) models and colitis animal models for its effects on inflammatory signalling, tight junction proteins, and epithelial barrier biology
• NF-κB pathway: Proposed to suppress NF-κB translocation to the nucleus in macrophage and epithelial cell models, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) production
• Nuclear localization: Some research has suggested KPV may enter cells and localize to the nucleus, potentially contributing to its effects on inflammatory gene transcription
• Nanoparticle delivery research: KPV has been studied in drug delivery research as a payload for oral nanoparticle formulations due to its stability and small size

Storage and Handling

• Store lyophilized at −20°C, protected from moisture
• Water-soluble; reconstitute in sterile water or PBS
• Very stable as a tripeptide — less prone to degradation than larger peptides
• Post-reconstitution: 4°C for up to 14 days; freeze at −20°C for longer storage

KPV is supplied for qualified in vitro laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal administration. Not evaluated or approved by Health Canada.

Available: KPV from TrueCanPeptides | LL-37 5mg | Immune & Longevity research compounds