KPV Tripeptide Research Overview: POMC-Derived Peptide in Inflammation Models

For in-vitro and laboratory research only. KPV is a research-grade tripeptide; nothing below constitutes medical guidance.

KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), composed of Lysine-Proline-Valine. Despite its small size (molecular weight ~342 Da), published research literature has examined KPV in inflammation-model systems, gut-barrier function studies, and dermal-research contexts. Available as KPV 10mg lyophilized.

Origin

α-MSH is a 13–amino-acid peptide cleaved from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). Research in the 1990s identified the C-terminal KPV fragment as carrying much of the anti-inflammatory activity of the parent peptide, with substantially less off-target receptor engagement — an observation that has driven KPV-specific research since.

Mechanisms reported in published literature

• NF-κB pathway modulation. Cell-culture studies report attenuation of NF-κB nuclear translocation in stimulated macrophages.
• Cytokine modulation. Published work reports reduced production of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated cell models.
• Epithelial-barrier integrity. A subset of the literature has examined KPV in intestinal-epithelial-barrier models, with reported effects on tight-junction protein expression.
• Independence from MC1R. Mechanistic work has reported KPV activity in cells lacking the canonical melanocortin-1 receptor, suggesting non-MC1R mediated pathways.

Common research-model applications

• LPS-stimulated macrophage cell-culture assays
• Dextran-sulfate-sodium (DSS) rodent colitis models
• Caco-2 epithelial-barrier-integrity assays
• Dermal inflammation cell-culture work

Handling and storage

The KPV tripeptide is small and relatively stable. Lyophilized shelf life is generally 24+ months at −20°C. For reconstitution, sterile water is standard for short-term cell-culture use; bacteriostatic water is appropriate for protocols requiring multi-day reconstituted storage. See our peptide storage guide for general practice and the article on how to reconstitute research peptides for solvent selection.

Frequently confused with

• α-MSH — the full 13-amino-acid parent peptide; different mechanism profile.
• Melanotan I / Melanotan II — α-MSH analog research peptides studied for melanocortin-receptor activity; see our Melanotan I vs Melanotan II article.
• KLOW blend — KLOW 80mg is a research-formulation product that includes KPV alongside GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500.

What to verify on the COA

• Sequence: Lys-Pro-Val. Three letters — easy to spot.
• Purity ≥98% by HPLC.
• Mass spec match for ~342 Da.

See how to read a peptide COA.

Reminder: Information above summarizes preclinical research literature for in-vitro and laboratory work. Products are not intended for human consumption.