KPV: Tripeptide Anti-Inflammatory Research Guide (2026)
Last updated
Introduction (research-only scope)
KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It is one of the smallest compounds in this catalog and is studied mainly in models of intestinal and skin inflammation. This guide covers the mechanism, the published evidence and how to verify research-grade material.
Research use only. The material described here is a laboratory reagent for in-vitro research by qualified professionals. It is not a medicine, supplement, cosmetic ingredient or veterinary product, is not for human or animal use, and nothing on this page is medical advice or a claim of effect in any person.
What is KPV?
KPV (molecular mass 342.4, CAS 67727-97-3) reproduces the last three residues of alpha-MSH, the part of the parent hormone that carries much of its anti-inflammatory signalling without the pigmentation-related activity of the full sequence. Peptra Labs supplies it as a lyophilised research reagent, 10 mg per vial.
How the reported mechanism works
PepT1-mediated uptake
The most cited work, published in Gastroenterology in 2008, reported that KPV enters intestinal epithelial and immune cells through the di- and tripeptide transporter PepT1, which is upregulated in inflamed intestinal tissue. That transport route is the mechanistic reason the tripeptide is studied in gut models specifically.
NF-kB signalling
Once internalised, KPV has been reported to reduce activation of NF-kB and downstream pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the models tested. The 2010 review places this in the wider context of alpha-MSH fragment pharmacology.
What the published evidence covers
The evidence is in-vitro and in animal colitis models, with no completed controlled human trials. Its appeal as a research tool is the combination of a very small, chemically simple molecule with a defined transport mechanism, which makes it tractable in cell systems. As with every compound in this catalog, published findings describe models, not people.
How to verify a KPV research peptide is real and pure
Two tests answer two different questions: mass spectrometry confirms identity (expected molecular mass 342.4), HPLC quantifies purity. Our specification is at least 98%. The published report for batch QYA048 reported 99% purity and can be checked on the testing laboratory’s own platform: third-party verification. Match the batch number printed on your vial against the lab reports archive rather than relying on a certificate image; what a valid certificate must contain is explained in how to read a certificate of analysis.
Storage and reconstitution
Store the lyophilised material sealed, dry and protected from light at 2 to 8 °C for routine laboratory use, colder for long-term archiving. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, keep refrigerated and use within the window your protocol defines; repeated freeze-thaw cycles degrade peptides. General handling for all our reagents is in the peptide storage protocol.
Regulatory status
KPV is not an authorised medicine in the European Union, the United Kingdom or the United States. It is not named individually on the WADA Prohibited List, but section S0 covers substances without approval for human therapeutic use. Research-grade material supplied here is not a medicine and is for in-vitro laboratory use only. The wider framework, including anti-doping status, is described in the peptide risk profile.
Why labs choose our KPV
Batch-numbered vials, published reports where a batch has been tested, shipping from an EU warehouse with tracking (no customs inside the EU) and prices shown with VAT included. Product page: KPV 10 mg. Country-by-country sourcing questions are covered in the buyer guide Buy KPV in Europe.
References
- Dalmasso G et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008. PubMed 18061177
- Brzoska T et al. Terminal signal: anti-inflammatory effects of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone related peptides beyond the pharmacophore. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2010. PubMed 21222263