Peptide · Research Monograph · α-MSH-derived tripeptide (α-MSH 11-13)

KPV

Inflammation Pathway Studies

Also known as Lysine-Proline-Valine

KPV is a three amino acid peptide: lysine, proline, and valine. It is the tail end of a larger hormone called alpha-MSH. That tail carries the anti-inflammatory part of the sequence but not the part that affects skin color. Studies have measured its effect on NF-kB, a signaling pathway involved in inflammation. Its small size lets it enter cells through routes that larger peptides cannot use.

Formula
C16H30N4O4
Mol. weight
342.43 Da
Length
3 residues
Size
10mg, 30mg
View product & pricing → Lot records & COAs

For laboratory research use only - not for human or animal use

KPV vial from the Eon Peptides research catalog
Fig. 1KPV · 10mg / 30mg · catalog photograph
Available in the Eon catalog - KPV from $40.00 View certificate of analysisAccurate Test Labs · 99.69% purity · Lot KP-092426-10

The molecule, in three dimensions

C16H30N4O4342.43
Drag to turn
Residues · hover to locate3 residues
Heavy atoms
24
Bonds
24
Composition
C16 N4 O4
Rings
1
Metal centre
None
Chain length
3 residues

Every heavy atom is placed from the sequence with ideal bond lengths and angles, so the connectivity is exact. The pose is idealised, an extended chain, and is not a measured conformation. Identity for the lot in stock is confirmed by LC-MS on its certificate.

Structure viewer →
Fig. 2Ball-and-stick model of KPV: 24 heavy atoms and 24 bonds placed from the 3-residue sequence with ideal geometry. Hydrogens are not drawn.

Molecular data

Molecular formulaC16H30N4O4
Molecular weight342.43 Da
SequenceLys-Pro-Val
Sequence length3 residues
Physical formLyophilized powder
Available sizes10mg, 30mg

The sequence

KPV is published as a 3-residue sequence. It is set below in reading order, ten residues to a row, numbered from the N-terminus. Every position is a standard L-amino acid.

Fig. 3Primary sequence of KPV as published in the catalogue specification, 3 residues, numbered from the N-terminus. A filled square marks a residue with no one-letter code.

One-letterKPV

Residues
3
Published as
Three-letter code
Termini
Not stated in the specification

How it works

  1. Cytokine Signaling

    Down-Regulated Inflammatory Cascade

    In vitro measurement at nanomolar concentrations shows the NF-κB and MAP-kinase pathways activating less. Since NF-κB governs much of the transcription behind inflammation, the same experiments record less TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β being released.

    • NF-κB and MAP-kinase signaling suppressed within the nanomolar range
    • Release of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and further pro-inflammatory cytokines measured lower
    • The pro-inflammatory output is what shifts; anti-inflammatory cytokines are not the target
  2. Transporter Entry

    PepT1 Route Into the Cell

    Published work has the tripeptide entering cells through PepT1, a carrier for di- and tripeptides found on immune cells and on intestinal epithelium. That route puts the peptide inside the cell, where inflammatory signaling can be engaged directly.

    • Cell entry occurs by way of the PepT1 peptide carrier
    • That carrier is present on immune cells and intestinal epithelium
    • Intracellular access to inflammatory pathways follows from it
  3. Melanocortin Origin

    Fragment of α-MSH

    Positioned at the C-terminus of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, the sequence corresponds to α-MSH 11-13. Reports assign the greater part of the parent hormone's anti-inflammatory activity to this fragment, which in vitro also shows antimicrobial activity.

    • Occupies the C-terminal position within the melanocortin peptide α-MSH
    • Holds the greater part of the parent hormone's anti-inflammatory activity
    • Reported active against S. aureus and against C. albicans

What the research shows

  1. GUT MODELS

    Colitis Model Findings

    Colitis induced with DSS and with TNBS gave lower intestinal inflammation scores once PepT1 had carried the tripeptide into cells.

  2. IMMUNE SIGNALING

    Carrier of Melanocortin Activity

    The literature treats this C-terminal tripeptide as the segment holding most of the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activity attributed to α-MSH.

  3. OCULAR SURFACE

    Corneal Re-Epithelialization

    Applied to the rabbit cornea surface, the peptide was followed by re-epithelialization complete within 60 hours; nitric-oxide signaling is raised as a possible route.

  4. MICROBIAL ASSAYS

    Activity Against Bacteria and Yeast

    Across a wide span of concentrations, published assays describe activity against Staphylococcus aureus and against Candida albicans.

How it's tested

Every lot of KPV released to the catalog carries a third-party certificate of analysis. 3 documented lots are on file for this compound, with reported HPLC purity from 99.27% to 99.75% (mean 99.57%), issued by Accurate Test Labs and Freedom Diagnostics. 2 of 3 certificates record identity as confirmed.

Documented lots
3
Reported purity
99.27% to 99.75%
Mean purity
99.57%
Issuing labs
Accurate Test Labs, Freedom Diagnostics
100% 99% 98% 99.57% Lot KPV1012102025-08 · 2025-12-17 · 99.75%Lot KPV12222025-J · 2025-12-24 · 99.27%Lot KP-092426-10 · 2026-09-25 · 99.69% 2025-12-17 2026-09-25
Fig. 4Reported HPLC purity of all 3 documented lots, plotted on the date each certificate was issued, 2025-12-17 to 2026-09-25. One point is one certificate; the points are not joined because the archive records lots, not a continuous measurement. Vertical window 98.00% to 100%, dashed rule is the mean at 99.57%.

All certificates in the COA library →

Frequently asked questions

How is KPV classified and what is its structure?

It is a tripeptide of lysine, proline and valine. By position it ends alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, that is α-MSH 11-13, and the parent hormone's anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activity is largely assigned to this fragment.

Which signaling pathways respond to it in inflammation research?

Nanomolar concentrations are reported to inhibit both the NF-κB and the MAP-kinase inflammatory pathways. NF-κB sits above much of the transcription driving inflammation, so holding it back lowers research-model output of cytokines on the pro-inflammatory side: IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α.

What role does the PepT1 transporter play in the mechanism?

PepT1 carries di- and tripeptides across the membrane and is found on immune cells and on intestinal epithelial cells. Research has the tripeptide entering by that carrier, reaching inflammatory signaling inside the cell; the route is regarded as central in models of intestinal inflammation.

What was recorded in induced colitis experiments?

Mouse colitis induced with DSS and with TNBS gave lower intestinal inflammation scores where PepT1 had taken the peptide up, and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression fell: IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12, IL-6 and IL-1β.

How far does the research record extend beyond preclinical work?

It does not. Clinical trials in people have not been completed, although preclinical study across several organ systems now spans roughly two decades. Material of research grade sold here is limited to laboratory work in vitro, with no human and no veterinary use.

What conditions preserve the lyophilized material?

The lyophilized powder is described as keeping at minus 20 degrees Celsius, with light and moisture excluded so the peptide stays intact.

Other entries in this volume that bear on KPV, with the reason each one is listed.

For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, or medical product; not for human or animal use. All findings referenced are from published preclinical/laboratory research.