KPV (CAS 67727-97-3) is a synthetic tripeptide derived from the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). With the molecular formula C16H30N4O4 and a molecular weight of 342.44 g/mol, KPV is defined by the amino acid sequence Lys-Pro-Val, corresponding to residues 11-13 of the parent 13-amino acid alpha-MSH molecule. Despite its minimal size, this tripeptide fragment retains the structural motif associated with melanocortin receptor-mediated signalling at MC1R, while lacking the N-terminal sequence responsible for the pigmentation-related activity of full-length alpha-MSH. Produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis, KPV is associated with NF-kB-dependent inflammatory signalling pathways in preclinical immunology and mucosal biology research.

KPV has been characterised as one of the smallest bioactive peptide fragments in the melanocortin system. In vitro studies in intestinal epithelial cell line preparations have examined KPV’s interaction with the NF-κB signalling cascade, documenting modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression independently of the melanocortin receptor-mediated effects of full-length alpha-MSH, and characterising PepT1 (the intestinal di/tripeptide transporter) as the cellular uptake mechanism for KPV in intestinal epithelial preparations, documenting upregulated PepT1 expression in inflamed intestinal tissue and establishing PepT1-mediated internalisation as a transporter-dependent route of KPV cellular uptake under inflammatory conditions [1]. In vivo rodent colitis models have examined KPV in experimental colitis models, documenting mucosal barrier dynamics and intestinal inflammatory signalling outcomes in experimental colitis preparations under preclinical conditions, and characterising KPV as an anti-inflammatory melanocortin-derived tripeptide with activity across established murine colitis model preparations [2], making KPV a reference compound in melanocortin-derived peptide research examining NF-κB-dependent mucosal inflammatory signalling and PepT1-mediated transporter uptake in intestinal biology models.

KPV is manufactured in a cGMP compliant laboratory to a guaranteed purity of 98% or above. Every batch is independently tested using HPLC and MS-UPLC analysis before dispatch. Vials are vacuum sealed and stored in a temperature controlled, monitored cold storage system. Certificates of Analysis are available on request.

Sold strictly for in vitro research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Intended for use by qualified researchers in laboratory settings only.

Editorial Team

Dr. Martina Rossi, PhD

Scientific Contributor and Reviewer

Reviewed and approved 14 June 2026

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