What is KPV, and what is it studied for?
KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, formula C16H30N4O4, mass 342.43, the three C-terminal residues of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It retains the anti-inflammatory signalling studied for the parent hormone without its pigmentary activity, and is studied in cell and rodent models of inflammation, including intestinal models where it is taken up by the peptide transporter PepT1. The material here is for in-vitro research only.
What is the structure of KPV?
Three residues with free termini and no modifications: a basic lysine, a proline and a hydrophobic valine, giving a net positive charge at neutral pH. No chromophore above 250 nm and no oxidation-prone residue. Mass 342.43 is confirmed by the certificate's LC-MS/MS identity line.
| Identifier | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C16H30N4O4 |
| Molecular weight | 342.43 g/mol |
| Residues | 3 |
| CAS number | 67727-97-3 |
| PubChem CID | 125672 |
| Current lot | KPV10-0318 |
How is KPV thought to work?
The parent hormone acts through melanocortin receptors, but the tripeptide's anti-inflammatory effects are reported to be largely receptor-independent, involving inhibition of NF-kappa-B activation in cells; Dalmasso and colleagues showed in 2008 that it enters intestinal epithelial cells via PepT1 and reduces inflammatory signalling there.
Which research areas use KPV?
| Area | Typical models and endpoints |
|---|---|
| NF-kappa-B signalling | Reporter and cytokine assays in epithelial and immune cell lines. |
| Intestinal inflammation models | Rodent colitis models with PepT1-mediated uptake. |
| Melanocortin fragment pharmacology | Comparison with alpha-MSH and other C-terminal fragments. |
| Peptide transport | PepT1 uptake studies in Caco-2 and related cell systems. |
What does the published literature show?
Brzoska and colleagues reviewed alpha-MSH and its tripeptides in Endocrine Reviews in 2008; Dalmasso and colleagues reported PepT1-mediated KPV uptake and reduced intestinal inflammation in mice in Gastroenterology the same year. There is no clinical programme for KPV; research use is in-vitro and preclinical.
How is KPV handled in the laboratory?
Dissolves instantly in water. Stable in solution relative to most peptides because it has no oxidation-prone residue; still aliquot and freeze. Basic and small, so low-binding tubes at nanomolar concentration. Store lyophilized at minus 20 °C. The concentration table covers volumes and syringe units; the storage guide covers stability by compound class.
What does the current certificate show?
Lot KPV10-0318 tested at 99.73% purity by RP-HPLC (214 nm), identity confirmed by LC-MS/MS, endotoxin <0.05 EU/mL. The certificate is in the COA library and the lot number on the vial matches it. Sold as 10 mg per vial at $60, for laboratory research only.
Certificate history for KPV
Every certificate the library holds for this compound, newest first. A replaced lot stays listed so the history can be read; the certificate dataset reads all 114 together.
| Lot | Issued | Size | Identity | Purity | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPV10-0318 | Aug 17, 2026 | 10 mg | LC-MS/MS | 99.73% | 10.20 mg | Current |
| KPV10-0318 | Apr 3, 2026 | 10 mg | MALDI-MS | 99.9% | 9.86 mg | Replaced |
Frequently asked questions
Is KPV a melanocortin receptor agonist?
Its parent hormone is. The tripeptide's reported anti-inflammatory effects are largely described as receptor-independent, which is one reason it is studied separately from the full hormone.
What does the current certificate show?
Lot KPV10-0318 (August 2026 issue): identity by LC-MS/MS at 342.43, purity 99.73% by RP-HPLC at 214 nm, content 10.20 mg, endotoxin below 0.05 EU/mL. The earlier April certificate for the same lot number read 9.86 mg by MALDI-MS.
What is PepT1?
An intestinal peptide transporter that moves di- and tripeptides into epithelial cells. KPV is a substrate, which is why intestinal models are prominent in its literature.
References
- Brzoska T, Luger TA, Maaser C, Abels C, Böhm M. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo, and future perspectives for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Endocr Rev. 2008;29(5):581-602.
- Dalmasso G, Charrier-Hisamuddin L, Nguyen HT, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166-178.
- PubChem CID 125672, Lys-Pro-Val. National Library of Medicine. Read 2 October 2026.
Clinical results cited above describe regulated trials of pharmaceutical products and are given as context for research interest only. Nothing on this page describes or recommends use of the material sold here in humans or animals.
KPV 10 mg
$60 per vial
Lot KPV10-0318 · 99.73% RP-HPLC (214 nm) · certificate published
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