KPV in Mexico: C-terminal tripeptide of α-MSH in anti-inflammatory research
EXOMA Scientific Team · Publicado el · Actualizado el
KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val, residues 11-13) of the α-MSH hormone. Preclinical research describes anti-inflammatory activity in the intestine and skin.
Executive summary
KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine (α-MSH 11-13), CAS 67727-97-3, molecular formula C16H30N4O4, molecular weight 342.44 g/mol) is the object of growing interest in preclinical research for its intestinal and dermal anti-inflammatory activity via modulation of NF-κB in preclinical models. This technical guide brings together molecular characterization, mechanism of action, bibliographic evidence with DOI/PubMed, and handling considerations for research use only.
Regulatory notice. This material is exclusively for in vitro and preclinical research use. It does not constitute a clinical or therapeutic recommendation.
What is KPV?
KPV is a linear tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) corresponding to residues 11-13 of the C-terminal end of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Despite its minimal size, it retains a significant fraction of the anti-inflammatory activity of the parent peptide without the melanogenic activity of the N-terminal fragment.
Key molecular data
| Parámetro | Valor |
|---|---|
| Nombre común | KPV |
| Nombre internacional | Lysine-Proline-Valine (α-MSH 11-13) |
| CAS | 67727-97-3 |
| Molecular formula | C16H30N4O4 |
| Molecular weight | 342.44 g/mol |
| Research category | Investigación Inflamatoria |
| Pureza EXOMA | Reverse-phase HPLC per batch |
| Certificado | Chromasys COA with MS, peptide, acetate/TFA, residual water, and endotoxins |
Mechanism of action
The proposed molecular mechanism includes inhibition of the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, reduction of the production of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-8, and modulation of the innate immune response in models of experimental colitis and dermatitis. Its relative oral bioavailability is the subject of active research.
The mechanistic characterization available in indexed literature (PubMed, Web of Science) allows KPV to be categorized as a research subject of high interest in its category. The most-cited publications are reproduced in the section Bibliographic evidence below.
Documented lines of research
The available preclinical literature addresses mainly:
- Pharmacokinetic characterization: in vivo studies in murine and porcine models on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the analog.
- Receptor mechanisms: competitive binding assays with radioligands to map affinity and selectivity for target receptors.
- Animal efficacy models: preclinical assays on the phenotypic effect attributable to the peptide in models of the pathology under study.
- In vitro stability and formulation: evaluation of the chemical and biological stability of the peptide under different storage and reconstitution conditions.
For an up-to-date systematic review, the researcher is advised to consult the PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases using the terms KPV and Lysine-Proline-Valine (α-MSH 11-13).
Bibliographic evidence
- Brzoska T et al., 2008 — Endocr Rev. Review of anti-inflammatory activity of α-MSH and derived fragments. DOI: 10.1210/er.2007-0027
- Dalmasso G, Charrier-Hisamuddin L, Nguyen HT, 2008 — Gastroenterology. La captación del tripéptido KPV mediada por PepT1 reduce la inflamación intestinal. PubMed: 18061177
Handling, reconstitution, and storage
Receipt and verification. Each lyophilized vial of KPV is shipped with its corresponding certificate of analysis (COA) issued by Chromasys, which includes identity by mass spectrometry, purity by reverse-phase HPLC, peptide content by amino acid analysis, residual acetate/TFA, residual water by Karl Fischer and endotoxins by LAL.
Standard reconstitution (research protocol). The standard procedure for sterile reconstitution is as follows:
- Disinfect with isopropyl alcohol the rubber stoppers of the lyophilized KPV vial and of the vial of bacteriostatic water (BAC).
- Aspirar el volumen calculado de BAC con jeringa de insulina estéril (consultar la EXOMA reconstitution calculator).
- Inject the solvent slowly, resting the needle against the inner wall of the vial — never directly onto the lyophilized powder, to avoid aggregation and denaturation.
- Gently roll the vial between your fingers until a clear solution is obtained. Never shake.
- Store the reconstituted vial refrigerated (2–8 °C) protected from light. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage of the lyophilizate. Refrigerated at 2–8 °C protected from light until the retest date indicated in the batch's COA.
Products available at EXOMA
All presentations are shipped with a batch COA and meet the reverse-phase HPLC purity standard. The larger-mass presentation usually offers the lowest cost per milligram.
Logistics and delivery
- Coverage. All of the Mexican Republic via courier with tracking number (AfterShip).
- Transit time. 1-4 business days depending on the region from payment confirmation.
- Shipping cost. $200 MXN de tarifa nacional única; envío gratuito en pedidos desde $2,000 MXN.
- Processing cutoff. Pedidos confirmados antes de las 16:30 (4:30 PM) hora del centro de México de lunes a viernes salen el mismo día hábil.
Additional resources
- Scientific hub: /producto/kpv — variants, comparisons, studies, and full FAQ.
- Compendium: /compendio/kpv — technical sheet with sequence and molecular references.
- Reconstitution calculator: /calculadora.
- Storage guide: /guia-conservacion.
This guide is educational content aimed at researchers. The information does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. All data are reproduced for technical purposes and to support research-material procurement decisions. Bibliographic references are available on PubMed/DOI for independent verification.
References
Material for research use only. Verified primary sources supporting the scientific claims of this article:
- Hiltz ME, Lipton JM. Antiinflammatory activity of a COOH-terminal fragment of the neuropeptide alpha-MSH. FASEB J. 1989;3(11):2282-2284. doi:10.1096/fasebj.3.11.2550304. PMID 2550304. (animal)
- Getting SJ, Schiöth HB, Perretti M. Dissection of the anti-inflammatory effect of the core and C-terminal (KPV) alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2003;306(2):631-637. doi:10.1124/jpet.103.051623. PMID 12750433. (animal)
- Kannengiesser K, Maaser C, Heidemann J, et al. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008;14(3):324-331. doi:10.1002/ibd.20334. PMID 18092346. (animal)
- Dalmasso G, Charrier-Hisamuddin L, Nguyen HTT, Yan Y, Sitaraman S, Merlin D. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166-178. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2007.10.026. PMID 18061177. (in vitro y animal)