KPV 5 mg
Tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val · C-terminal fragment of alpha-MSH
In stock · ships within 24 hResearch areas
- Inflammation
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Antimicrobial activity
- Derived from the hormone α-MSH
- Skin inflammation
Topics of published studies (cell, animal and clinical). These are not claims about effects in humans; the product is intended solely for research. You will find the sources below.
What studies say about KPV- Content
- 5 mg
- Form
- Lyophilisate
- Mol. weight
- 342.43
- CAS
- 67727-97-3
Z-Box, pick-up point or home delivery- Ships from the Czech Republic within 24 hours
- Free shipping over CZK 3,000
- Discreet packaging
Main research areas
- Gut inflammation: Most studied in mouse models of colitis (DSS, TNBS), where it reduced inflammatory cytokines and weight loss.
- NF-κB signalling: After entering cells via the PepT1 transporter it dampens the NF-κB and MAP kinase inflammatory pathway.
- Skin and wound healing: Studied in models of skin inflammation and tissue repair as a fragment of alpha-MSH.
- Antimicrobial effect: In vitro it inhibited the growth of S. aureus and C. albicans.
- No pigmentation: Unlike alpha-MSH, it lacks the sequence that triggers melanin production.
Preparing a stock solution
Preparing a stock solution
The vial contains 5 mg. Dissolving it in 3.0 ml of solvent gives a stock solution with a concentration of 1.67 mg/ml, i.e. 1.67 µg in every microlitre. In the laboratory the solvent used is sterile or bacteriostatic water, or a buffer according to the method. Add the solvent slowly down the inside wall of the vial and let the contents dissolve with gentle swirling, not shaking – shaking can damage the peptide. Divide the stock solution into aliquots and freeze them; repeated thawing reduces the content. The reconstitution calculator works out conversions for other volumes and dilutions using C1V1 = C2V2.
Limitations and research notes
- KPV is not a registered medicinal product.
- Data come from cell and animal models; clinical studies are lacking.
- In solution, the peptide is sensitive to repeated freezing.
What the KPV peptide is
The KPV peptide is a short tripeptide made of three amino acids – lysine, proline and valine (Lys-Pro-Val). It corresponds to the last three amino acids of the hormone alpha-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, positions 11–13), which the body makes from the precursor POMC. Alpha-MSH is known mainly for its effect on skin pigmentation, but since the 1980s it has been known to have strong anti-inflammatory effects as well. Research showed that much of this anti-inflammatory activity is carried by its C-terminal segment, KPV.[6][7]
Because the KPV peptide lacks the central His-Phe-Arg-Trp sequence that is responsible for melanin production in alpha-MSH, it does not darken the skin. That makes it an interesting tool for studying inflammation separately from pigmentation.
How KPV works: mechanism of action
The best-described mechanism of the KPV peptide comes from studies on intestinal mucosa cells. KPV enters them via the PepT1 transporter (SLC15A1), which normally carries di- and tripeptides from food and is strongly increased during intestinal inflammation. Inside the cell, KPV dampens activation of the NF-κB and MAP kinase pathways, reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α.[1]
Some of alpha-MSH's effects are transmitted via melanocortin receptors (mainly MC1R and MC3R). For KPV, it is debated how much is a receptor effect and how much a direct action inside the cell after transport via PepT1 – studies suggest the latter route plays a significant role.[1][6]
| Target | What studies look at | Model |
|---|---|---|
| PepT1 transporter | Uptake of KPV into intestinal mucosa cells | Human cell lines Caco2-BBE, HT29 |
| NF-κB and MAP kinases | Dampening of inflammatory signalling | Intestinal epithelial cells, immune cells |
| Cytokines IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α | Lower production of inflammatory mediators | Cell cultures, mouse colitis |
| Microorganisms | Direct antimicrobial effect | S. aureus, C. albicans in vitro |
KPV peptide research: the gut and colitis
Most data on KPV come from research into inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In a study by Dalmasso et al. (2008), KPV given to mice in drinking water reduced inflammation in models of DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis – the animals lost less weight, had lower myeloperoxidase activity and fewer inflammatory cytokines in the mucosa.[1] Independent work by Kannengiesser et al. (2008) described KPV's anti-inflammatory effect in other mouse models of IBD as well.[2]
Follow-up research focuses mainly on targeted delivery to the colon. KPV packed into nanoparticles in a polysaccharide hydrogel dampened colitis in mice at a much lower dose than the free peptide[3], and hyaluronic-acid nanoparticles that bind to inflamed cells supported mucosal healing in a model of ulcerative colitis.[4] You will find a more detailed analysis in our article KPV: an anti-inflammatory tripeptide and its effect on gut health.
KPV and the skin, wound healing and antimicrobial effects
Alpha-MSH and its fragments are also studied in models of skin inflammation and wound healing, which track cell migration, extracellular matrix formation and inflammatory markers.[6] A study by Cutuli et al. (2000) also showed that in the laboratory KPV directly inhibits the growth of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and the yeast Candida albicans – a combination of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that is unusual for research on infected wounds.[5]
For collagen and skin regeneration research, KPV is often compared with the copper peptide GHK-Cu, which works through a different mechanism.
KPV vs. alpha-MSH
| KPV | Alpha-MSH | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3 amino acids | 13 amino acids |
| Origin | C-terminus of alpha-MSH | Hormone from POMC |
| Skin pigmentation | No | Yes |
| Main research area | Gut and skin inflammation, microbes | Pigmentation, inflammation, appetite |
Where to buy the KPV peptide in the Czech Republic
KPV is still rarely sold in the Czech Republic. You can buy KPV 5 mg from us as a lyophilized powder in a glass vial with a batch number; we ship from the Czech Republic within 24 hours and deliver across Czechia and Slovakia within 3–5 days. We publish the certificate of analysis with every new batch on the peptide test results page.
Reconstituting and storing KPV 5 mg
The vial contains 5 mg of lyophilized KPV. To prepare a solution, 3.0 ml of bacteriostatic water is usually used, giving a concentration of about 1.67 mg/ml. The reconstitution calculator works out the solution concentration. Store the lyophilized powder in the freezer at −20 °C and the dissolved solution in the fridge at 2–8 °C.
Most KPV data come from cell and animal models. Clinical studies in humans are still limited and KPV is not an approved medicine. The product is intended solely for research.
Frequently asked questions about the KPV peptide
What is the KPV peptide?
KPV is a tripeptide made of three amino acids – lysine, proline and valine (Lys-Pro-Val). It corresponds to the last segment of the hormone alpha-MSH and is used in research to study anti-inflammatory signalling without affecting skin pigmentation.
How does KPV work?
In studies on intestinal mucosa cells, KPV enters the cells via the PepT1 transporter and dampens activation of the NF-κB and MAP kinase pathways. The result is lower production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α.
What is the difference between KPV and BPC-157?
KPV is a three-amino-acid fragment of alpha-MSH studied mainly in models of gut and skin inflammation. BPC-157 is a pentadecapeptide derived from a gastric juice protein, studied mainly in models of tendon, muscle and vascular healing. Research therefore often looks at them both separately and together.
How do I prepare a KPV 5 mg solution?
A 5 mg vial is usually reconstituted with 3.0 ml of bacteriostatic water, giving a concentration of about 1.67 mg/ml. The peptide calculator works out the exact conversion for other volumes.
How should KPV be stored?
Store the lyophilized powder dry and dark, long term in a freezer at −20 °C. After reconstitution, keep the solution in the fridge at 2–8 °C and avoid repeated freezing.
We will publish the KPV certificate of analysis with the first batch
We send every new batch for independent testing. As soon as KPV 5 mg is in stock, you will find the lab report here with the purity, identity and vial content results – just like for our other products on the peptide test results page.
Laboratories we work with: Janoshik Analytical, Finnrick and LiquiLabs.
- Purity (HPLC)Share of KPV in the powderawaiting batch
- Identity (MS)Mass 342.43 g/molawaiting batch
- Vial contentDeclared 5 mgawaiting batch
Molecular profile – sequence
Lys-Pro-Val
Molecular weight
- 342.43 g/mol
CAS number
- 67727-97-3
Molecular formula
- C16H30N4O4
Material data
Appearance
White to off-white lyophilized powder
Solubility
Soluble in bacteriostatic water and suitable aqueous laboratory solvents.
Product note: Tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH; supplied solely for research purposes.
Peptides in transit
We ship lyophilized peptides in glass vials by standard shipping; they do not need refrigeration. Short temperature fluctuations in transit do not reduce their quality, and the lyophilized form stays stable for several weeks even in summer temperatures.
Storing lyophilized peptides
Store lyophilized peptides in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. We generally recommend these conditions:
- Room temperature (15–25 °C): up to 3 months
- In the fridge (2–8 °C): up to 6 months
- In the freezer (−20 °C and below): 3–5 years (recommended for long-term storage)
After taking the vial out of the fridge or freezer, let it warm to room temperature.
Storing reconstituted peptides
Peptide solutions are generally less stable after reconstitution than the lyophilized form, so keep them cold whenever possible. We generally recommend these conditions:
- Room temperature (15–25 °C): not recommended long term
- In the fridge (2–8 °C): usually 4–8 weeks
- In the freezer (−20 °C and below): up to 3–4 months
To keep the peptide intact, avoid repeated freezing and thawing, which can speed up its degradation.
Important:
Most manufacturers recommend using reconstituted peptides stored at 2–8 °C within 4 weeks. This recommendation is deliberately cautious and may not reflect the actual chemical stability of every peptide. Actual stability depends strongly on the sequence and formulation of the specific peptide, so stick to the recommended period and keep the solution cold and dark.
- Dalmasso G, Charrier-Hisamuddin L, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166–178. Find on PubMed ↗
- Kannengiesser K, Maaser C, Heidemann J, et al. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 2008;14(3):324–331. Find on PubMed ↗
- Laroui H, Dalmasso G, et al. Drug-loaded nanoparticles targeted to the colon with polysaccharide hydrogel reduce colitis in a mouse model. Gastroenterology. 2010;138(3):843–853. Find on PubMed ↗
- Xiao B, et al. Orally targeted delivery of tripeptide KPV via hyaluronic acid-functionalized nanoparticles efficiently alleviates ulcerative colitis. Molecular Therapy. 2017;25(7):1628–1640. Find on PubMed ↗
- Cutuli M, Cristiani S, Lipton JM, Catania A. Antimicrobial effects of α-MSH peptides. Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2000;67(2):233–239. Find on PubMed ↗
- Brzoska T, Luger TA, Maaser C, Abels C, Böhm M. α-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. Endocrine Reviews. 2008;29(5):581–602. Find on PubMed ↗
- Catania A, Lipton JM. α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone in the modulation of host reactions. Endocrine Reviews. 1993;14(5):564–576. Find on PubMed ↗
The research overview is based on scientific literature
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KPV 5 mg is intended solely for in vitro research and laboratory use. The information on this page summarises published studies and is not medical advice.
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