KPV: A Laboratory Research Reference

KPV is a tripeptide of lysine, proline, and valine, corresponding to the carboxy-terminal residues of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It is studied in laboratory research for its anti-inflammatory activity in experimental models.

This page is a non-promotional scientific reference for researchers. It summarises the chemical identity, molecular characteristics, mechanism as described in the literature, research areas, and analytical testing of KPV. It does not provide dosing, therapeutic, or human-use guidance of any kind. KPV supplied by Bulk Aussie Peptides is for laboratory research purposes only.

What Is KPV?

KPV is the tripeptide lysyl-prolyl-valine (Lys-Pro-Val, single-letter K-P-V). In structure–activity studies of alpha-MSH, the anti-inflammatory activity of the parent hormone was localised to its carboxy-terminal sequence, and KPV was found to reproduce this activity in vitro and in vivo without the pigmentary effects of the full hormone. Because it retains activity while shedding other alpha-MSH effects, KPV is a useful tool for dissecting melanocortin-peptide function.

For background on how synthetic research peptides are produced and verified, see the synthetic peptides research guide.

Molecular Characteristics

• Classification: a short (tripeptide) alpha-MSH-derived peptide.
• Sequence: lysine–proline–valine (Lys-Pro-Val), corresponding to residues 11–13 of alpha-MSH.
• Molecular weight: approximately 342 Da; the measured value on a Certificate of Analysis should be compared against the theoretical mass.
• Physical form: supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder, the standard presentation for research peptides.

How KPV Works

In laboratory models, KPV is described as exerting anti-inflammatory effects that are largely receptor-independent, in contrast to the cell-surface melanocortin-receptor activity of full-length alpha-MSH. Studies report that KPV inhibits NF-kappaB signalling, a central regulator of inflammatory gene expression, and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6. These observations are preclinical.

These findings describe intracellular signalling in model systems and do not constitute a therapeutic use.

Areas of Scientific Research

• Anti-inflammatory signalling: characterisation of NF-kappaB and cytokine modulation by KPV.
• Inflammatory bowel models: study of KPV in experimental models of intestinal inflammation.
• Structure–activity: work dissecting which alpha-MSH residues contribute to anti-inflammatory activity.

These investigations are conducted in vitro or in approved animal research models under institutional oversight. They do not translate to approved human use.

Analytical Testing

• HPLC for purity assessment, reported as a percentage of total peak area.
• Mass spectrometry for identity confirmation against the theoretical molecular mass.

Guidance on reading the resulting documents is available in the article on how to read a peptide Certificate of Analysis.

Storage and Handling

In a laboratory context, lyophilised KPV is typically stored in a freezer, protected from light and moisture, and handled according to the product-specific documentation. General guidance is covered in the peptide storage and stability reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is KPV? KPV is the tripeptide lysine–proline–valine.
• Where does KPV come from? It corresponds to the carboxy-terminal residues of alpha-MSH.
• How does KPV differ from alpha-MSH? KPV retains anti-inflammatory activity while lacking the pigmentary effects of the full hormone.
• What is KPV studied for? It is investigated in laboratory models for anti-inflammatory signalling.
• How is KPV purity tested? By HPLC, with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry.

References

• Hiltz, M. E., & Lipton, J. M. (1989). Antiinflammatory activity of a COOH-terminal fragment of the neuropeptide alpha-MSH. FASEB Journal, 3(11), 2282–2284. PubMed 2550304

Related Research Resources

• PT-141 (Bremelanotide): A Laboratory Research Reference — a related melanocortin peptide.
• Synthetic Peptides: Research Guide — how research peptides are produced and verified.