KPV - Frequently Asked Questions

KPV is a melanocortin-derived C-terminal tripeptide, specifically the alpha-MSH 11-13 fragment, with the sequence Lys-Pro-Val. It is the C-terminal three residues of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and is studied as a transporter-mediated, signaling-pathway modulator in in-vitro and preclinical models. It is offered strictly for research use only.

KPV's sequence is Lys-Pro-Val (KPV). Its peptide class is a melanocortin-derived C-terminal tripeptide, corresponding to residues 11-13 of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH).

KPV has a molecular weight of 342.43 g/mol and a molecular formula of C16H30N4O4. These values are used for analytical identity confirmation and for calculating molar concentrations during laboratory reconstitution.

KPV's CAS number is 67727-97-3, and its PubChem CID is 125672 (listed for Lys-Pro-Val). These registry identifiers allow unambiguous cross-referencing of the compound across chemical databases.

In the cited in-vitro studies, KPV is taken up through the proton-coupled di/tripeptide transporter PepT1 (SLC15A1), which is induced in inflamed intestinal epithelium. This transporter-mediated route is reported in cultured intestinal epithelial cell models such as Caco2-BBE and HT29-Cl.19A.

In intestinal epithelial and immune cell lines, in-vitro studies report that nanomolar concentrations of KPV attenuate cytokine-stimulated NF-kB and MAP kinase activation, lowering transcription of pro-inflammatory mediators. This is described as occurring in a receptor-independent fashion after cellular uptake.

Per the cited cell and animal model data, KPV's anti-inflammatory action appears at least partially independent of MC1R signaling, and the tripeptide does not drive pigmentation the way full alpha-MSH does through melanocortin-receptor agonism.

In-vitro work cited in the entry reports that the alpha-MSH C-terminal fragment reduces viability and germ-tube formation of Candida albicans and shows activity against Staphylococcus aureus, indicating direct antimicrobial and membrane-interaction effects measured in microbial assays.

The cited sources are Dalmasso et al. (Gastroenterology 2008) on PepT1-mediated uptake and inflammation; Kannengiesser et al. (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2008) on receptor-independent anti-inflammatory potential in murine IBD models; Cutuli et al. (Journal of Leukocyte Biology 2000) on antimicrobial effects; and Brzoska et al. (Endocrine Reviews 2008) reviewing alpha-MSH and related tripeptides.

For in-vitro handling, lyophilized KPV is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water added slowly down the vial wall and gently swirled until dissolved. Using the molecular weight of 342.43 g/mol, the resulting molar stock concentration is calculated and then serially diluted into assay medium. This is laboratory preparation only, not a human dosing protocol.

Following general peptide-handling principles, lyophilized KPV is best kept sealed and cold, while reconstituted solution is generally held refrigerated for near-term use or frozen for longer-term storage, with freeze-thaw cycles minimized. The entry does not provide a KPV-specific measured shelf life, so working stability limits should be established empirically.

No. All data described are from in-vitro and preclinical receptor, transporter, and signaling models. No human dosing, efficacy, or therapeutic-outcome claims are implied, and the material is for research use only.