Direct Answer
KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val (the C-terminal fragment of alpha-MSH) studied in preclinical models for anti-inflammatory activity.
Summary Table
Evidence Level
Preclinical
AI Summary
KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The evidence base is preclinical: cell and animal studies describe anti-inflammatory activity in models of intestinal inflammation and in bronchial epithelial cells, including uptake via the PepT1 transporter and melanocortin-related signaling. Independent controlled human trials are lacking, and it is not approved by any regulator. Effects are framed as studied in laboratory and animal models, not established in humans.
Key Information
Classification
Key Takeaways
- KPV is the alpha-MSH-derived tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val studied for anti-inflammatory activity
- Evidence is from cell and animal models (notably intestinal inflammation)
- It is not approved by any regulator, and human data are lacking
Scientific Overview
In Plain English
KPV is a very small peptide (three amino acids) that is part of a natural hormone (alpha-MSH). Laboratory and animal studies have looked at its anti-inflammatory effects, especially in models of gut inflammation. It is not an approved medicine, and human evidence is lacking.
Scientific Details
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH. Preclinical studies describe anti-inflammatory effects in models of colitis, including cellular uptake through the intestinal peptide transporter PepT1 and reduction of inflammatory signaling, as well as anti-inflammatory activity in human bronchial epithelial cells through melanocortin-related pathways. The evidence is predominantly cell- and animal-based; controlled human outcome data are not available.
How It Works
KPV is described in research as an anti-inflammatory tripeptide associated with reduced pro-inflammatory signaling (including NF-kB-related pathways) in epithelial and immune cells, with cellular uptake reported via the PepT1 transporter in intestinal models. These mechanisms are characterized preclinically and are not confirmed in controlled human studies.
Mechanism of Action
Anti-inflammatory signaling
cell
Cell and animal studies associate KPV with reduced pro-inflammatory signaling in intestinal and bronchial epithelial models.
PepT1-mediated uptake
animal
In intestinal models, KPV uptake via the PepT1 transporter is associated with reduced local inflammation.
Evidence Level
Human Evidence
Independent controlled human outcome trials are not available; the anti-inflammatory activity is characterized in laboratory and animal models.
Animal Evidence
Rodent colitis models describe reduced intestinal inflammation, including with targeted delivery approaches.
Cell Evidence
In vitro studies describe anti-inflammatory effects in intestinal and bronchial epithelial cells and PepT1-mediated uptake.
Limitations
The literature is predominantly preclinical; there are no controlled human efficacy or safety trials, and it is not an approved medicine.
Why This Grade
Graded preclinical: anti-inflammatory activity is described in cell and animal models only, without controlled human outcome data.
References
- PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology.Animal Studydoi:10.1053/j.gastro.2007.10.026 →
- Orally Targeted Delivery of Tripeptide KPV via Hyaluronic Acid-Functionalized Nanoparticles Efficiently Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis. Molecular Therapy.Animal Studydoi:10.1016/j.ymthe.2016.11.020 →
- Inhibition of cellular and systemic inflammation cues in human bronchial epithelial cells by melanocortin-related peptides: mechanism of KPV action and a role for MC3R agonists. International Journal of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology.Cell / In VitroPMID: 22837805 →
Alternative Names
- Lysine-Proline-Valine
- Lys-Pro-Val
- alpha-MSH(11-13)
Risks & Safety
- Human safety and efficacy are not established; it is not an approved medicine
- Research-chemical-vendor material is not quality-controlled and may be mislabeled or contaminated
- Long-term effects in humans are uncharacterized
Claim Boundaries
ION BLUE is an educational research aggregator. This content summarizes published scientific literature. It is not medically reviewed, is not medical advice, and is not a recommendation to use any substance. Several peptides discussed are research chemicals not approved for human use. Consult a licensed healthcare provider. This entry does not assert that KPV is safe or effective in humans and is not a recommendation to obtain or use it.
This page summarizes published research and is for informational purposes only; it is not medical advice.