KPV
KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that has shown anti-inflammatory effects in rodent models of colitis and peritonitis, largely independent of classical melanocortin receptor signaling.
This page is a research-orientation summary, not a dosing guide. For anything beyond general background, read the primary literature or talk to a qualified clinician — specifics like amount, frequency, or administration aren't something we publish here.
What it does & how it works
KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH (α-MSH 11-13). Unlike full-length alpha-MSH, it does not raise cAMP or require melanocortin receptor (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R) signaling to exert its effects, and instead appears to act by inhibiting IL-1β-driven inflammatory signaling. At the cellular level, KPV is taken up into intestinal epithelial and immune cells via the PepT1 di/tripeptide transporter, and nanomolar concentrations suppress activation of the NF-κB and MAP kinase pathways, reducing downstream pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion.
Typical results seen in research
Evidence is entirely preclinical (rodent and cell-culture). In murine DSS-colitis, TNBS-colitis, and CD45RBhi T-cell transfer colitis models, KPV treatment reduced myeloperoxidase activity and histological inflammation and improved weight recovery, including rescuing mice with a nonfunctional MC1 receptor from lethal colitis. In a crystal-induced peritonitis model, systemic KPV reduced neutrophil accumulation. No published human clinical trials of KPV were identified.
How it’s commonly used
In published research, KPV has been administered orally (added to drinking water) and via systemic injection in rodent models of intestinal and peritoneal inflammation. It has not been validated in human clinical trials, so no established human route of administration exists in the peer-reviewed literature.
- Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics · 2003 Dissection of the anti-inflammatory effect of the core and C-terminal (KPV) alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases · 2008 Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease
- Gastroenterology · 2008 PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation
Curated from published literature for research orientation. Not an exhaustive review, and not a substitute for reading primary sources.