KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine) from Super Human Peptides UK is a naturally occurring tripeptide. It is the C-terminal sequence of the much larger alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). In laboratory research, KPV is heavily studied for its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Unlike full-length alpha-MSH, KPV does not bind significantly to melanocortin receptors in the skin, meaning it exerts profound anti-inflammatory effects without inducing melanogenesis (tanning). Researchers utilize this tiny peptide to investigate the direct intracellular inhibition of inflammatory pathways, making it a premier model for studying the resolution of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), severe skin conditions, and systemic mast cell degranulation. Produced under GMP-compliant conditions and verified for 99% purity or higher, KPV is an essential tool for advanced mucosal and epithelial defense research.
- —Potent Anti-Inflammatory: Targets intracellular signaling to halt the inflammatory cascade.
- —Non-Melanogenic: Does not cause skin pigmentation associated with full-length alpha-MSH.
- —Antimicrobial Properties: Studied for its ability to inhibit specific fungal and bacterial pathogens (e.g., Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus).
- —High Purity: 99% purity or higher (verified by HPLC and MS analysis).
- —Quality Standard: GMP / ISO certified manufacturing.
- —Documentation: Full Certificate of Analysis (COA) included with every batch.
- —NF-kB Inhibition: Studying the peptide's ability to enter the cell and block the translocation of the NF-kB transcription factor, thereby stopping the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-alpha and IL-6).
- —Intestinal Inflammation: Preclinical models exploring the resolution of colitis and the repair of the intestinal epithelial barrier via PepT1 transporter uptake.
- —Dermatological Repair: Researching accelerated wound healing and the reduction of erythema in models of psoriasis and severe contact dermatitis.
- —Mast Cell Stabilization: Investigating the reduction of histamine release in allergic response models.
- —Antimicrobial Synergy: Evaluating the peptide's ability to disrupt fungal biofilms and act as a localized defense agent in mucosal tissues.
KPV has garnered significant attention in gastrointestinal and dermatological research because its extremely small size allows it to easily penetrate cells and mucosal barriers. Landmark studies by Dalmasso et al. (2008) demonstrated that KPV is transported directly into intestinal epithelial cells via the PepT1 transporter.
Once inside, it interacts directly with inflammatory signaling proteins, significantly reducing colitis in animal models. Further laboratory models have explored its dermatological applications. Because it bypasses the MC1 receptor entirely, it provides the tissue-healing and anti-inflammatory benefits of alpha-MSH without altering skin pigment.
Animal models have shown that topical or systemic administration of KPV can drastically reduce inflammation in psoriasis models and accelerate the healing of infected wounds due to its unique dual anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial profile.
- 1.Dalmasso, G. et al., "PepT1-mediated epithelial transport of the antimicrobial peptide KPV suppresses intestinal inflammation," Gastroenterology, 2008.
- 2.Kannengiesser, K. et al., "Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease," Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 2008.
- 3.Brzoska, T. et al., "The product of the proopiomelanocortin gene, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and its C-terminal tripeptide KPV represent a novel class of antimicrobial factors," The FASEB Journal, 2008.
- 4.Luger, T.A. et al., "The role of alpha-MSH as a modulator of cutaneous inflammation," Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1999.
