KPV

About KPV

KPV is the tripeptide lysine-proline-valine, the three C-terminal amino acids (residues 11–13) of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Work in the 1990s and 2000s showed that this short fragment retains much of the parent hormone's anti-inflammatory activity while having no effect on pigmentation, which made it an attractive tool for studying melanocortin-mediated inflammation on its own.

It has been studied most in models of intestinal inflammation, where it is taken up by the intestinal peptide transporter PepT1, and in skin, lung and immune-cell models. It is not approved for any use.

Mechanism

KPV inhibits activation of NF-κB, the transcription factor that switches on many pro-inflammatory genes, and reduces the production of cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 in epithelial and immune cells. Unlike the full α-MSH molecule its activity appears largely independent of classical melanocortin receptor binding, with uptake through PepT1 implicated in gut models.

Areas of research

1. Studied for inhibition of NF-κB signalling in inflammatory models
2. Investigated in colitis and inflammatory bowel disease research
3. Research interest in mast-cell stabilisation and skin inflammation
4. Small, stable tripeptide — minimal handling sensitivity

References

1. Dalmasso G et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166-178. PubMed
2. Brzoska T et al. α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo. Endocr Rev. 2008;29(5):581-602. PubMed

Research use only. Information on this page is provided for educational and research purposes and summarises published literature, mostly from cell and animal studies; it is not a claim of efficacy or safety. Products are not intended for human or veterinary use, or for any diagnostic or therapeutic purpose.