KPV

KPV is a three-residue peptide (lysine-proline-valine) matching the C-terminal end of alpha-MSH. It is supplied for laboratory research on melanocortin-derived fragments.

Research applications

KPV is used as a small model fragment in studies of inflammatory signaling. Common readouts include cytokine levels, NF-kappaB and MAP kinase activity, and tissue histology in cell and rodent systems. It is also used in work on peptide uptake and delivery, such as nanoparticle carriers and transporter-mediated entry. These are laboratory applications only.

Pathway and mechanistic context

In the published literature, KPV enters intestinal cells through the PepT1 transporter, which is expressed at higher levels in inflamed tissue. In cell and mouse studies it has been linked to lower TNF-alpha, NF-kappaB and MAP kinase activity. Some mouse work suggests it acts without the melanocortin receptors that mediate alpha-MSH effects, though the mechanism is still under study.

Preclinical summary

Mouse models of colitis have been used to examine how KPV affects inflammatory infiltrate, MPO activity and colon histology. Other studies looked at skin contact-hypersensitivity models, wound and scar models, and the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans in culture. These are laboratory and animal-model findings and say nothing about use in people.

Form and analytical testing

Supplied as a lyophilized powder. Identity and purity are normally confirmed by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Refer to the Certificate of Analysis for the lot you receive.

References

1. M. E. Hiltz and J. M. Lipton, "Antiinflammatory activity of a COOH-terminal fragment of the neuropeptide alpha-MSH," FASEB J. Off. Publ. Fed. Am. Soc. Exp. Biol. , vol. 3, no. 11, pp. 2282–2284, Sep. 1989. Source
2. K. Kannengiesser et al. , "Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease," Inflamm. Bowel Dis. , vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 324–331, Mar. 2008, doi: 10.1002/ibd.20334. Source
3. B. Xiao et al. , "Orally Targeted Delivery of Tripeptide KPV via Hyaluronic Acid-Functionalized Nanoparticles Efficiently Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis," Mol. Ther. J. Am. Soc. Gene Ther. , vol. 25, no. 7, pp. 1628–1640, 05 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2016.11.020. Source
4. G. Dalmasso, L. Charrier-Hisamuddin, H. T. T. Nguyen, Y. Yan, S. Sitaraman, and D. Merlin, "PepT1-Mediated Tripeptide KPV Uptake Reduces Intestinal Inflammation," Gastroenterology , vol. 134, no. 1, pp. 166–178, Jan. 2008, doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2007.10.026. Source
5. T. Brzoska, T. A. Luger, C. Maaser, C. Abels, and M. Böhm, "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. , vol. 29, no. 5, pp. 581–602, Aug. 2008, doi: 10.1210/er.2007-0027. Source
6. M. Cutuli, S. Cristiani, J. M. Lipton, and A. Catania, "Antimicrobial effects of alpha-MSH peptides," J. Leukoc. Biol. , vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 233–239, Feb. 2000, doi: 10.1002/jlb.67.2.233. Source

Peptides are shipped lyophilized (freeze-dried), a state that keeps them stable in transit. Keep vials cold and away from light on arrival.

• Short term: refrigeration below 4°C (39°F) is generally suitable for lyophilized material held for days to months.
• Long term: a freezer at -80°C (-112°F) is preferred for storage over several months or years.
• After reconstitution: keep the vial refrigerated. Reconstituted material is generally kept for up to 30 days.