KPV

KPV

KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, which corresponds to residues 11–13 at the C-terminus of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It lacks the central His-Phe-Arg-Trp sequence that α-MSH uses to activate melanocortin receptors, so it has become a tool for studying anti-inflammatory signaling attributed to the hormone’s C-terminal end rather than its pigment-related core.

Product Specifications

• Product: KPV
• Amount: See available options above
• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Purity: Third-party tested by an ISO 17025 U.S. laboratory. See the batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) on this page.
• Storage: Keep sealed and refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F), protected from light.
• Ships from: United States, 2-day UPS

Chemical Profile

• Compound class: Tripeptide
• Sequence: Lys-Pro-Val
• Molecular formula: C₁₆H₃₀N₄O₄
• Molecular weight: 342.43 g/mol
• CAS number: 67727-97-3

What researchers study

Most KPV research focuses on the gut, with growing interest in skin and drug-delivery systems:

• Epithelial uptake: intestinal epithelial cells take KPV up through PepT1, the di/tripeptide transporter, and studies have linked that uptake to reduced NF-κB and MAP kinase signaling and lower inflammatory cytokine output.
• Colitis models: dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and T-cell transfer colitis in mice. Work in mice with a nonfunctional melanocortin-1 receptor suggested that at least part of KPV’s activity does not depend on that receptor.
• Delivery systems: hydrogels and nanoparticle carriers designed to hold KPV at inflamed mucosa in rodent colitis models.
• Other cell systems: keratinocyte and adipocyte models examining oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways.

Findings to date come from cell culture and animal models and do not establish effects in humans.

Regulatory status

KPV is not approved by the FDA for any use. It is sold here as a research reagent only.

Quality & Documentation

Every batch of KPV is made in small runs for Rogue Compounds and tested by an independent U.S. laboratory for identity (mass spectrometry) and purity (HPLC). Each vial is labeled with its batch number and a QR code that opens the testing lab’s own report for that batch. The same batch Certificate of Analysis is posted on this page and in our COA Library, so you can check one against the other.

Research overview

For a longer look at KPV, covering where it came from, what cell and animal studies have measured, and what the evidence does not show, read our KPV research overview. It is written as background reading, and every study it cites is linked to PubMed.

Selected literature

• Dalmasso G, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166-178. PMID 18061177
• Kannengiesser K, et al. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008;14(3):324-331. PMID 18092346
• Brzoska T, et al. 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. 2008;29(5):581-602. PMID 18612139
• Brzoska T, et al. Terminal signal: anti-inflammatory effects of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone related peptides beyond the pharmacophore. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2010;681:107-116. PMID 21222263

Research Use Only

This product is sold strictly as a research chemical for in-vitro laboratory and analytical use by qualified professionals. It is not a drug, dietary supplement, food, or cosmetic, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not for human or veterinary use. Rogue Compounds does not provide dosing, preparation, or usage instructions. The literature on this page is listed for scientific background only and does not describe this product or any use of it.