KPV Peptide: the α-MSH tripeptide
KPV peptide is the tripeptide lysine-proline-valine — the last three amino acids (11-13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). In mouse studies it is taken up by intestinal cells through the PepT1 transporter and reduced markers of intestinal inflammation, and it is often compared with BPC-157 in gut-focused research. KPV is a research compound, not an approved medicine; the vials sold here are for laboratory research use only.
Specifications
| Sequence | Lys-Pro-Val (KPV) |
|---|---|
| Origin | C-terminal fragment of α-MSH (residues 11-13) |
| CAS number | 67727-97-3 |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC) |
| Form | Lyophilised powder |
What is KPV?
α-MSH is a 13-amino-acid hormone with well-described anti-inflammatory activity. Researchers found that its short C-terminal fragment, KPV, retains much of that activity in laboratory models while being small enough to be carried into cells by peptide transporters.
KPV itself is three residues — lysine, proline, valine. Its small size is the defining property: it changes how the molecule enters cells, how quickly it is cleared, and which delivery formats are practical in a research setting.
PepT1 uptake and the proposed mechanism
Dalmasso et al. (2008) showed that intestinal epithelial cells take up KPV through the PepT1 di/tripeptide transporter, and that KPV reduced inflammatory signalling and colitis severity in mouse models. PepT1 expression is upregulated in inflamed intestinal tissue, which is the basis for the targeting hypothesis.
Once inside the cell, the reported effect in these models is reduced NF-κB pathway activation and lower pro-inflammatory cytokine output. This is a cell-level observation in specific models, not a demonstrated clinical mechanism.
Melanocortin-receptor-independent activity
Kannengiesser et al. (2008) reported anti-inflammatory effects of KPV in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease, including in mice with impaired melanocortin-1 receptor signalling. That result argues the fragment does not depend entirely on MC1R to act, and points to more than one mechanism.
For research design, this matters: a model chosen to probe melanocortin signalling may not isolate the pathway responsible for the observed effect.
Delivery and formulation research
Because KPV is small and rapidly cleared, much of the later literature is about delivery rather than the molecule itself. Xiao et al. (2017) reported that hyaluronic-acid-functionalised nanoparticles carrying KPV reduced colitis markers in a mouse model at far lower doses than unformulated peptide.
Formulation is therefore a variable in its own right. Comparing studies that used free peptide with studies that used a targeted carrier is not a like-for-like comparison.
KPV vs BPC-157
Both appear in gut-focused research, but they are unrelated molecules. KPV is a three-amino-acid fragment of α-MSH studied mainly for inflammatory signalling. BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid sequence derived from a gastric protein, studied mostly in rat tissue-injury models such as tendon healing (Staresinic et al., 2003).
- Size: KPV 3 amino acids; BPC-157 15 amino acids.
- Origin: KPV from α-MSH; BPC-157 from a gastric protein.
- Main research focus: KPV inflammation markers; BPC-157 tissue repair models.
- Evidence type: both are preclinical — neither has randomised human trial data cited here.
What has not been established
The KPV literature cited here is cell-culture and mouse work. There are no randomised human trials of KPV cited on this page, and no established human dose, route or safety profile. Claims about outcomes in people are not supported by this evidence base.
Handling in the lab
Keep lyophilised KPV cold, dry and away from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water using sterile technique and refrigerate the solution. Short peptides are sensitive to repeated freeze-thaw cycles, so aliquoting after reconstitution is common practice. Record lot and reconstitution date against each experiment.
Frequently asked questions
What is KPV peptide?
KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, the C-terminal fragment of α-MSH. Mouse studies link it to reduced intestinal inflammation via PepT1 uptake.
Where does KPV come from?
It is residues 11-13 of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, the C-terminal end of that 13-amino-acid hormone.
How does KPV enter cells?
In the published intestinal work it is carried in by the PepT1 di/tripeptide transporter, whose expression is raised in inflamed intestinal tissue.
What did the colitis studies report?
Reduced inflammatory signalling and lower colitis severity scores in mouse models, with reduced NF-κB pathway activation at the cell level.
Does KPV need the melanocortin-1 receptor to work?
Not entirely. Effects were still reported in mice with impaired MC1R signalling, which suggests more than one mechanism.
Why is KPV studied in nanoparticle form?
It is small and rapidly cleared, so targeted carriers such as hyaluronic-acid-functionalised nanoparticles have been used to deliver it to inflamed tissue at much lower doses.
What is the difference between KPV and BPC-157?
KPV is a 3-amino-acid α-MSH fragment studied for inflammatory signalling; BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid gastric-protein sequence studied mainly in tissue-repair models.
Is KPV an approved drug?
No. KPV has been studied in cell and animal models and is sold here strictly for laboratory research.
Are there human trials of KPV?
No randomised human trials of KPV are cited in this guide. The published evidence here is cell-culture and rodent work.
Is KPV the same as α-MSH?
No. α-MSH is the full 13-amino-acid hormone; KPV is only its last three residues, and their pharmacology is not interchangeable.
How should KPV be stored?
Keep lyophilised KPV cold, dry and away from light; refrigerate reconstituted solutions and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Where can I buy KPV peptide for research?
PeptidesDirect sells KPV in 5mg vials for laboratory research only. Orders placed before 1:00 PM Central on business days ship the same day. See our research peptides guide research peptides guide for how to compare suppliers and read test documents.
Product pages: KPV 5mg · BPC-157
Is this product for human use?
No. PeptidesDirect sells this compound for laboratory research only. It is not a drug, food or cosmetic and is not for human or veterinary use. This page summarises published research and is not dosing or medical guidance.
Shop the compounds covered in these FAQs: KPV 5mg · BPC-157
References
- Dalmasso G, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008. PubMed 18061177
- Kannengiesser K, et al. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008. PubMed 18092346
- Xiao B, et al. Orally targeted delivery of tripeptide KPV via hyaluronic acid-functionalized nanoparticles efficiently alleviates ulcerative colitis. Mol Ther. 2017. PubMed 28143741
- Staresinic M, et al. Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon and in vitro stimulates tendocytes growth. J Orthop Res. 2003. PubMed 14554208
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