KPV

KPV Overview

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a tripeptide corresponding to the C-terminal amino acids 11-13 of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It retains much of the parent hormone’s anti-inflammatory activity in research models without engaging pigmentation pathways.

In research models, KPV has been examined for its role in NF-kB-related inflammatory signaling, intestinal epithelial biology, cytokine release, and skin and mucosal inflammation paradigms.

Reference: Brzoska T. et al. (2010), Adv Exp Med Biol, 681, 107-116.

History

Alpha-MSH was identified as an anti-inflammatory mediator in the 1980s and 1990s, and structure-activity studies mapped much of that activity to its C-terminal tripeptide. KPV was subsequently investigated as a minimal active fragment, and later work explored its uptake through the PepT1 peptide transporter in intestinal epithelial models.

Reference: Brzoska T. et al. (2008), Endocr Rev, 29(5), 581-602.

KPV Structure

Research Findings

KPV has been studied in cell culture and in animal models of inflammation, particularly colitis-type models. Reported findings describe reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling following peptide exposure.

Key Areas of Research:

• NF-kB signaling: Reduced activation of inflammatory transcription pathways in vitro
• Intestinal models: Epithelial uptake via PepT1 and effects in colitis models
• Cytokines: Lower pro-inflammatory cytokine output in cell-based assays
• Skin and mucosa: Inflammation-related endpoints in preclinical research

These observations make KPV a frequently used research tool for studying melanocortin-derived anti-inflammatory signaling.

Reference: Dalmasso G. et al. (2008), Gastroenterology, 134(1), 166-178.

References

1. Dalmasso G. et al. (2008). PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology, 134(1), 166-178.
2. Brzoska T. et al. (2008). Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo, and future perspectives for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Endocr Rev, 29(5), 581-602.
3. Brzoska T. et al. (2010). Terminal signal: anti-inflammatory effects of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone related peptides beyond the pharmacophore. Adv Exp Med Biol, 681, 107-116.