KPV

Overview

KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine) is the C-terminal tripeptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), specifically representing amino acids 11-13 of the parent hormone. Despite its remarkably small size — just three amino acids — KPV retains the potent anti-inflammatory activity of full-length α-MSH without requiring melanocortin receptor binding.

This receptor-independent mechanism of action is particularly noteworthy in peptide pharmacology. While full-length α-MSH and most of its analogs exert anti-inflammatory effects through MC1R activation, KPV achieves equivalent or superior anti-inflammatory activity through a direct intracellular mechanism — entering cells and inhibiting pro-inflammatory transcription factor activation.

Chemical Profile

Mechanism of Action

KPV's anti-inflammatory mechanism is unique among α-MSH-derived peptides. Rather than acting through melanocortin receptor binding on the cell surface, KPV directly enters cells — likely through peptide transporters or passive diffusion owing to its small size — and inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) nuclear translocation.

NF-κB is a master transcription factor that drives the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. In its inactive state, NF-κB is sequestered in the cytoplasm by inhibitory IκB proteins. Pro-inflammatory stimuli activate IKK kinase, which phosphorylates IκB for degradation, freeing NF-κB to translocate to the nucleus. KPV interferes with this pathway, preventing NF-κB from reaching its nuclear gene targets.

As a result, KPV suppresses the transcription of major pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). This broad suppression of the inflammatory cascade makes it a valuable research tool for studying inflammatory pathways.

Research Applications

• NF-κB pathway inhibition mechanisms
• Anti-inflammatory signaling research
• Inflammatory bowel disease models
• Skin inflammation and dermatitis
• Mucosal immunity and barrier function
• Receptor-independent peptide mechanisms
• Cytokine suppression studies
• Intracellular peptide transport

Handling & Reconstitution

1. 1Allow the vial and sterile water to reach room temperature (15–25°C).
2. 2Using a sterile syringe, withdraw the appropriate volume of sterile water.
3. 3Inject the water slowly along the inside wall of the vial — do not spray directly onto the powder.
4. 4Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved. Do not shake vigorously.
5. 5Once reconstituted, store at 2°C – 8°C. Protect from light.
6. 6Use within 28 days after reconstitution.
7. 7Do not freeze reconstituted solution.