KPV

α-MSH 11-13 · Lysine-Proline-Valine tripeptide

Last reviewed: 2026-05-16

MW: 342.4 Da
Sequence: KPV
Research focus: gut healing anti inflammatory

A three-amino-acid C-terminal fragment of α-MSH studied for its anti-inflammatory effects in colitis, atopic skin conditions, and mucosal healing models — without the pigmentary effects of full-length MSH.

Mechanism of action

KPV reproduces the C-terminal anti-inflammatory pharmacophore of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone without the N-terminal sequence responsible for melanocortin-1-receptor-mediated pigmentation. Animal studies attribute its activity to direct intracellular interaction with NF-κB pathway components and modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine release (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6).

Research history

Identified in the 1990s and 2000s in inflammatory bowel disease and dermatology research as a stable, low-molecular-weight peptide retaining α-MSH's anti-inflammatory profile. Sustained-release oral formulations have been explored for ulcerative colitis.

Summarised studies

Oral nanoparticle-delivered KPV in DSS colitis

Laroui H. et al., Gastroenterology · 2013

Hyaluronic-acid nanoparticles carrying KPV reduced colonic inflammation and tissue damage in dextran-sulfate-sodium colitis mouse models more effectively than free KPV at equivalent doses.

Anti-inflammatory effect of KPV on keratinocytes

Brzoska T. et al., Endocr Rev · 2004

KPV reduced LPS-induced cytokine release in cultured keratinocytes, supporting a topical anti-inflammatory profile relevant to atopic dermatitis research.

Safety profile

KPV is small, charge-neutral, and minimally immunogenic in pre-clinical work. Oral and topical preparations have shown a favourable acute toxicity profile in rodents. Human safety data are limited to early-phase work; long-term effects are unstudied.

UK regulatory status

KPV is not licensed as a medicine in the UK. Research-laboratory possession is unrestricted; clinical use is not.

Frequently asked questions

Does KPV cause skin pigmentation like α-MSH?

Pre-clinical work indicates that KPV lacks the N-terminal sequence required for binding to melanocortin-1 receptors that drives melanin synthesis, so pigmentary effects have not been reported.

Is KPV active orally?

Free KPV is rapidly degraded in the gastrointestinal tract. Most efficacy studies use nanoparticle-encapsulated or sustained-release formulations to deliver the peptide to colonic tissue.

What endpoints are common in KPV colitis studies?

Disease activity index, colon length, histological scoring, and colonic cytokine concentrations (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) are routinely reported.

Where to source KPV for laboratory research

The following UK-based suppliers stock research-grade, lyophilised peptides for in-vitro and pre-clinical work. Purity and provenance vary; always request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and confirm cold-chain storage on arrival. None of the products linked below are approved for human use.

PeptideAuthority.co.uk
UK-based research peptide supplier with batch certificates of analysis and >99% purity testing.
PeptideBarn.co.uk
Wide catalogue of research-grade lyophilised peptides shipped from the UK, including bulk vials.

Appears in research stacks

Gut Healing Research Stack
Examine complementary effects on mucosal repair, inflammatory cytokine release, and tight-junction integrity in pre-clinical gut models.

Side-by-side comparisons

KPV vs LL-37
KPV and LL-37 occupy overlapping but distinct niches in the inflammation–antimicrobial peptide space. KPV is small, charge-neutral, and primarily anti-inflammatory; LL-37 is larger, cationic, and combines direct antimicrobial activity with broad immunomodulation.

Cited in research summaries

Best healing peptides for research in 2026
BPC-157 remains the most-studied research peptide for soft-tissue repair; GHK-Cu leads dermal regeneration; KPV and larazotide dominate gut-barrier research; LL-37 sits at the antimicrobial-host-defence intersection.