KPV

A three-amino-acid fragment of alpha-MSH, studied in animal models for anti-inflammatory properties in the gut and on the skin.

KPV is a tripeptide made of the amino acids lysine, proline, and valine, derived from the C-terminal end of the hormone alpha-MSH. It is among the smallest peptides studied in inflammation research, with a focus on animal models of chronic inflammatory bowel disease and skin inflammation. Human studies are not yet available.

Facts

• CAS number: 67727-97-3
• Molecular weight: 342.43 g/mol
• Amino acids: 3

Evidence

• A study in two mouse models of colitis described faster body-weight recovery and markedly reduced inflammatory infiltrates in the intestinal tissue under KPV compared with untreated animals. Kannengiesser et al. 2008, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, PMID 18092346
• A study showed that the anti-inflammatory effect of KPV in the mouse model is mediated through uptake via the peptide transporter PepT1 rather than the melanocortin receptor. Dalmasso et al. 2008, Gastroenterology, PMID 18061177
• A study using hyaluronic-acid-functionalized nanoparticles for targeted oral colon release of KPV described significant reduction of inflammation in mice with colitis compared with untreated KPV. Xiao et al. 2017, Molecular Therapy, PMID 28143741

Frequently asked questions

Where does KPV come from?
KPV is a fragment of the hormone alpha-MSH, made of the three amino acids lysine, proline, and valine.

Does KPV act through the melanocortin receptor?
No. In animal models, the anti-inflammatory effect is described independently of the melanocortin receptor, instead relying on the transporter PepT1.

Are there human studies on KPV?
No, to date only cell and animal studies exist, mostly on inflammatory bowel disease.

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