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Research Compound CatalogRecovery & Regenerative ResearchKPV Research Profile
Recovery & Regenerative Research
Research Use Only

Synthetic Alpha-MSH C-Terminal Tripeptide Fragment

KPV

Alpha-MSH C-Terminal Tripeptide Fragment

Research StatusLiterature Reviewed Through: July 2026
Research Use Only
Updated Periodically

Research Profiles are reviewed periodically as new peer-reviewed literature becomes available.

Available Strength
10 mg / vial
CAS Number
13147-06-3
Recovery & Regenerative Research laboratory research
Recovery & Regenerative Research
Research at a Glance

Major published findings — summarized in under 30 seconds.

1
Reductions in key inflammatory signaling molecules (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) have been observed in cell-based models.
2
Protective effects in intestinal inflammation models, including colitis, have been reported in animal studies.
3
Anti-inflammatory activity in skin cell models has been documented.
4
The compound has demonstrated the ability to enter cells directly, independent of receptor binding.
5
Inhibition of NF-κB, a central driver of inflammatory gene expression, has been observed in multiple model systems.

What Is This Compound?

KPV is a very small three-amino acid peptide derived from a naturally occurring hormone called alpha-MSH, which is produced by the body and is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. KPV retains the anti-inflammatory activity of the parent hormone but does not produce the pigmentation-related effects associated with it. Researchers have studied KPV primarily in the context of gut inflammation, skin conditions, and immune regulation. Its small size is notable — it allows the peptide to enter cells directly, which is an unusual property that researchers have studied as a potential mechanism for its effects.

Continue below to see what published research has observed so far.

What Has Research Found?

1
Reductions in key inflammatory signaling molecules (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) have been observed in cell-based models.
2
Protective effects in intestinal inflammation models, including colitis, have been reported in animal studies.
3
Anti-inflammatory activity in skin cell models has been documented.
4
The compound has demonstrated the ability to enter cells directly, independent of receptor binding.
5
Inhibition of NF-κB, a central driver of inflammatory gene expression, has been observed in multiple model systems.

Want to understand why these findings occur? Continue to the scientific overview below.

The Science Behind It

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a C-terminal tripeptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Alpha-MSH is a neuropeptide derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) with well-characterized anti-inflammatory properties, and KPV retains the core anti-inflammatory activity of the parent molecule while lacking its melanotropic effects. KPV is studied primarily in the context of gastrointestinal inflammation, skin biology, and innate immune modulation.

Mechanism of Action

KPV exerts anti-inflammatory effects by binding to melanocortin receptors (particularly MC1R and MC3R) and by directly entering cells to inhibit NF-κB activation, a central transcription factor in inflammatory signaling. Research demonstrates that KPV reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in macrophage and epithelial cell models. Its ability to penetrate cells without receptor engagement is a mechanistically distinct property studied in mucosal inflammation models.

Key Research Characteristics
C-terminal tripeptide of α-MSH retaining anti-inflammatory activity without melanotropic effects
Dual mechanism: melanocortin receptor binding and direct intracellular NF-κB inhibition
Cell-penetrating properties enable receptor-independent anti-inflammatory activity
Studied extensively in gastrointestinal mucosal inflammation and colitis models
Reduces IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 production in macrophage and epithelial cell models
Small molecular weight (355 Da) facilitates mucosal penetration in gastrointestinal research models

Research Applications

Gastrointestinal mucosal inflammation research
NF-κB signaling and innate immune modulation
Skin barrier and dermal inflammation biology
Melanocortin receptor pharmacology
Cytokine regulation in inflammatory disease models

Compound Specifications

Available Strength
10 mg / vial
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Purity
≥98% (HPLC)
Storage Conditions
−20 °C; protect from light
Storage After Reconstitution
4 °C up to 7 days; −80 °C for long-term storage
Molecular Formula
C₁₆H₂₉N₅O₄
Molecular Weight
355.4 g/mol
CAS Number
13147-06-3
Research Status
Research Use Only (RUO)

Scientific References

1.Catania A, et al. The neuropeptide alpha-MSH in host defense. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2000;917:227–231.
2.Brzoska T, et al. 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.
3.Kannengiesser K, et al. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine experimental colitis. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008;14(3):324–331.
4.[Placeholder] Peer-reviewed publication on KPV cell-penetrating mechanism and NF-κB inhibition.
5.[Placeholder] Technical reference: stability profile and bioactivity data for KPV in serum-containing media.

Placeholder entries are reserved for peer-reviewed publications. All references are provided for scientific context only.

Current State of Research

Research Use Only

All information presented on this Research Profile is intended exclusively for laboratory research purposes. This compound is designated Research Use Only (RUO) and is not intended for human consumption, veterinary use, or any clinical application. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

This material is sold solely for in vitro research and laboratory investigation by qualified scientific personnel. Kali Research LLC makes no representations regarding the safety or efficacy of this compound for any use outside of controlled laboratory research settings. Researchers are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and institutional regulations governing the use of research compounds.

Not for human consumptionNot for veterinary useNot for clinical applicationQualified researchers onlyIn vitro / laboratory use
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Research Profile
Specifications
Available Strength10 mg / vial
AppearanceWhite lyophilized powder
Purity≥98% (HPLC)
Storage Conditions−20 °C; protect from light
Storage After Reconstitution4 °C up to 7 days; −80 °C for long-term storage
Molecular FormulaC₁₆H₂₉N₅O₄
Molecular Weight355.4 g/mol
CAS Number13147-06-3

Need additional technical documentation? Submit an inquiry and our team will respond.

Research Use Only (RUO). Not for human consumption, veterinary use, or clinical application.