What Is KPV?
KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide composed of the amino acids Lys-Pro-Val (Lysine-Proline-Valine), representing the C-terminal fragment (residues 11-13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). With a molecular weight of approximately 342 Da and a molecular formula of C16H30N4O4, KPV is one of the smallest bioactive peptide fragments to retain significant biological activity from its parent hormone. The tripeptide was first identified and characterized for its anti-inflammatory properties independently of the full alpha-MSH sequence.
KPV belongs to the immune-regulatory peptide category and has attracted increasing research interest due to its potent anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical models despite its minimal size. Unlike the full-length alpha-MSH (13 amino acids) or cyclic melanocortin analogs such as Melanotan II, KPV does not appear to exert significant melanogenic (pigmentation) or energy-homeostasis effects, making it a more targeted tool for inflammatory pathway research.
KPV is supplied exclusively for research use only (RUO). It is not approved by the FDA for therapeutic use. Wholesale buyers serving immunology labs, gastroenterology research programs, and inflammation-focused biotech companies can access institutional pricing through our wholesale peptide program.
Mechanism of Action
KPV’s anti-inflammatory mechanism is multifaceted and appears to operate through both receptor-dependent and receptor-independent pathways. At the receptor level, KPV has been shown to interact with MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor), though with lower affinity than the full alpha-MSH sequence. MC1R activation triggers intracellular signaling cascades that suppress NF-kB nuclear translocation, reducing transcription of pro-inflammatory genes including TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8.
Beyond MC1R, research has demonstrated that KPV can enter cells directly and accumulate in the nucleus, where it interacts with NF-kB subunits to inhibit inflammatory gene transcription through a receptor-independent mechanism. This dual pathway, combining membrane receptor signaling with direct intranuclear activity, is relatively unusual among peptide anti-inflammatory agents and contributes to KPV’s potency despite its small size.
KPV has also been observed to modulate inflammasome activation, reducing NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and subsequent IL-1beta and IL-18 processing in macrophage models. These effects on innate immune signaling position KPV as relevant to researchers studying sterile inflammation, mucosal immunity, and epithelial barrier function. Complementary immune-regulatory peptides in our catalog include BPC-157 for tissue-protective applications and Selank for neuro-immune research.
Research Applications
KPV has been investigated across several preclinical research domains centered on inflammation, mucosal immunity, and tissue protection:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Research
The most extensively studied application for KPV involves gastrointestinal inflammation. Researchers have investigated KPV in multiple animal models of colitis, including DSS-induced and TNBS-induced models. Published studies document significant reductions in colonic inflammation scores, mucosal damage, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels following KPV administration. The peptide’s ability to act on colonocytes directly has prompted research into oral and rectal delivery formulations, including nanoparticle-encapsulated KPV for targeted colonic delivery.
Skin Inflammation and Wound Healing
KPV has been studied in animal models of skin inflammation, including contact dermatitis and wound healing paradigms. Research has documented reduced epidermal inflammation, decreased inflammatory cell infiltration, and modulated keratinocyte cytokine production. These findings connect KPV to the broader cosmetic and skin peptide research domain, where it is sometimes studied alongside GHK-Cu for complementary skin biology insights.
Immune Cell Biology
In vitro studies have examined KPV’s effects on macrophage polarization, dendritic cell maturation, and T-cell activation. Researchers have documented shifts from M1 (pro-inflammatory) to M2 (anti-inflammatory/reparative) macrophage phenotypes, and reduced antigen-presenting capacity in dendritic cell models. These cellular-level studies provide mechanistic foundations for the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects observed in tissue-level experiments.
Mucosal Barrier Function
Emerging research has examined KPV’s effects on epithelial tight junction integrity and transepithelial resistance in intestinal and airway epithelial models. Researchers have documented preservation of barrier function under inflammatory challenge conditions, suggesting a protective role for the peptide in mucosal homeostasis.
For large-scale inflammation research programs, visit the KPV wholesale pricing page.
Available Formats and Bulk Options
KPV is available from Wholesale Bulk Peptides in multiple configurations:
- 5 mg lyophilized vials — appropriate for cell culture assays, cytokine profiling, and pilot in vivo studies
- 10 mg lyophilized vials — suited for extended animal model studies and dose-response experiments
- Bulk lyophilized powder — available in gram-scale quantities for CROs, formulation development, and private-label peptide brands
Custom packaging and labeling available for qualified accounts. Apply through our wholesale program portal.
Wholesale Pricing Summary
KPV wholesale pricing is volume-tiered for B2B buyers, peptide resellers, and research institutions. As a tripeptide with straightforward synthesis, KPV offers favorable economics at bulk scale. For complete pricing, MOQs, and delivery timelines, visit the KPV wholesale page. New accounts can apply at the wholesale program application.
Quality Assurance, Testing, and COAs
Every batch of KPV undergoes rigorous analytical testing:
- HPLC — confirms purity of 98% or greater with retention time identity verification
- Mass Spectrometry — validates the approximately 342 Da molecular weight and confirms the Lys-Pro-Val sequence
- Amino Acid Analysis — quantifies equimolar ratios of lysine, proline, and valine
- Endotoxin Testing (LAL) — ensures suitability for cell-based inflammatory assays and in vivo models
Batch-specific COAs accompany every shipment. Access our COA library and testing methodology page for analytical details. The Peptide COA Guide provides interpretation assistance.
Storage and Stability
KPV lyophilized powder should be stored at -20 degrees Celsius in a sealed, desiccated container protected from light. The tripeptide’s small size and lack of oxidation-sensitive residues contribute to excellent stability, with a shelf life exceeding 24 months under proper conditions. Reconstitute with sterile water or PBS and store at 2-8 degrees Celsius for use within 30 days. Aliquot reconstituted solutions into single-use volumes to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. KPV is compatible with standard peptide handling protocols and does not require specialized inert-atmosphere conditions.
Compliance and Intended Use
KPV is sold by Wholesale Bulk Peptides for research use only (RUO). It is not intended as a drug, dietary supplement, food additive, or cosmetic ingredient. This peptide has not been approved by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body for human or veterinary therapeutic use. All purchasers must be qualified researchers or authorized distributors operating in compliance with applicable regulations. Downstream labeling must clearly indicate RUO status.
Related Compounds
Researchers working with KPV frequently investigate complementary immune-regulatory and anti-inflammatory peptides:
- BPC-157 — a gastric pentadecapeptide with extensive preclinical data on tissue protection and wound healing
- Melanotan II — a cyclic melanocortin analog providing full MC1R-MC5R activation for comparative receptor studies
- TB-500 — thymosin beta-4 fragment studied for tissue repair and anti-inflammatory properties
- Selank — a tuftsin-derived heptapeptide with neuro-immune modulatory effects
Browse the full immune-regulatory peptide catalog and explore our Start a Peptide Brand resource.
Frequently Asked Questions About KPV
Our wholesale support team addresses common buyer questions about KPV including formulation compatibility, oral bioavailability considerations for nanoparticle research, stability data, and analytical documentation. For product-specific FAQs, visit the KPV wholesale page. For general questions, see the wholesale peptides hub.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for informational and research purposes only. KPV is sold as a Research Use Only (RUO) compound. It is not intended for human or veterinary diagnostic or therapeutic use. All buyers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and institutional guidelines. Wholesale Bulk Peptides makes no claims regarding the safety or efficacy of this compound for any purpose other than qualified laboratory research.