KPV

preclinical

Also known as: Lysine-Proline-Valine, α-MSH (11-13)

**Mechanism of Action** KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine), the C-terminal tripeptide of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH 11-13), exerts anti-inflammatory effects primarily through PepT1-mediated cellular uptake. Once internalized, it inhibits nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). This pathway is particularly relevant in intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells, where KPV modulates oxidative stress and apoptosis. **Key Research Findings** Preclinical studies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) models (e.g., DSS-induced colitis in mice) demonstrate that KPV reduces colonic inflammation, mucosal damage, and neutrophil infiltration. It also enhances tight junction protein expression (e.g., occludin, ZO-1), improving intestinal barrier integrity. In vitro, KPV suppresses LPS-induced NF-κB signaling in Caco-2 cells and macrophages. Notably, its effects are dose-dependent and require PepT1 expression, as PepT1 knockout models show diminished efficacy. **Clinical Relevance** KPV remains in preclinical development, with no human trials reported. Its potential lies in targeted therapy for IBD, particularly ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, where PepT1 is upregulated in inflamed tissue. However, challenges include rapid enzymatic degradation and limited oral bioavailability. Future research may focus on formulation strategies (e.g., nanoparticle encapsulation) to enhance stability and delivery. For research purposes only — not medical advice.

Key data

Category
Healing & Recovery
Molecular weight
192.21 g/mol
Molecular formula
C11H12O3
CAS number
88768-11-0
Administration
oral, subcutaneous, topical
Research status
preclinical
References
91
Tags
anti-inflammatory, gut-health, melanocortin

Research & studies

Lysine-proline-valine peptide attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation through ROS-dependent regulation of the PPARγ pathway in HepG2 cells
Cytotechnology · 2026 · PubMed

OA treatment enhanced hepatic lipid deposition via upregulation of fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression.; KPV (100 g/mL) significantly attenuated OA-induced lipid accumulation and suppressed FAS expression without inducing cytotoxicity.; KPV reduced reactive oxygen species generation, preventing activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase.; KPV downregulated AKT phosphorylation, inhibiting mTORC1 phosphorylation and regulating PPARγ phosphorylation to normalize FAS expression.

NLRP3 autophagic degradation disruption in melanocytes contributes to vitiligo development
Cell death and differentiation · 2026 · PubMed

NLRP3 expression is significantly increased in melanocytes of vitiligo patients and melanoma-Treg-induced vitiligo mice.; Knockout of NLRP3 effectively alleviates vitiligo progression in the mouse model.; Downregulation of β-TrCP1 reduces K27-linked ubiquitination of NLRP3, weakening its interaction with autophagy receptor NDP52 and impairing selective autophagic degradation.; Melanocyte-specific knockdown of NLRP3 using KPV-Lipos with Nlrp3 shRNA significantly alleviates vitiligo development.

Inflammation-triggered self-immolative conjugates enable oral peptide delivery by overcoming gastrointestinal barriers
Science advances · 2026 · PubMed

SIPPC platform integrates PEG, ROS-responsive self-immolative module, and hydrolyzable scaffold to form nanoparticles with GI stability and mucus penetration.; proKPV achieved 3.8-fold higher colonic accumulation than free KPV in colitis mice, with efficacy at a 20-fold lower dose.; Oral proKPV accumulated in inflamed lungs and showed potent anti-inflammatory efficacy in acute lung injury mice.; Ac-QAW and IRW-based conjugates showed comparable benefits, supporting SIPPC as a general platform for oral peptide delivery.

Host defense peptides as a new drug lead to a strategy for inflammatory bowel disease
Drug discovery today · 2025 · PubMed

HDPs are promising IBD candidates due to their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties.; HDPs cited include cathelicidins (e.g., LL-37-T 1, LTP, C-L, KR-12), defensins (e.g., HD-5, hBD2), cecropins (e.g., CC34), microcins (e.g., MccJ25), brevinins (e.g., chensinin-1), PrAMPs (e.g., abaecin), type V peptides (e.g., VP-NP), and α-MSH (e.g., KPV).; HDPs downregulate the NF-κB pathway, modulate cytokine release, and restore homeostasis.; HDPs may offer a way to reduce side effects compared with current IBD treatments.

Exploring the Role of Tripeptides in Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review
International journal of medical sciences · 2025 · PubMed

Tripeptides regulate cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and ECM remodeling to accelerate tissue repair.; GHK-based formulations (e.g., nanoparticle conjugates, hydrogels, TriHex, TriHex 2.0) enhance fibroblast migration, ECM remodeling, collagen and elastin synthesis, wound closure, and provide antimicrobial activity.; KdPT mitigates hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and restores keratinocyte function; KPV-loaded hydrogels reduce inflammation, promote regeneration, and combat MRSA infections.; Lipotripeptides (DICAMs) inhibit and disrupt bacterial biofilms, while GPE supports neuroprotection and regeneration via ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling activation.

Lysine-Proline-Valine peptide mitigates fine dust-induced keratinocyte apoptosis and inflammation by regulating oxidative stress and modulating the MAPK/NF-κB pathway
Tissue & cell · 2025 · PubMed

PM10 exposure suppressed HaCaT cell proliferation and induced IL-1 secretion.; KPV (50 μg/mL) restored cell viability and reduced IL-1 secretion in PM10-treated cells.; KPV inhibited ROS production and suppressed MAPK (ERK, p38) activation and NF-κB signaling.; KPV decreased apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3) and blocked ROS-mediated caspase-1 activation, reducing IL-1 secretion.

Multicompartmental Hydrogel Microspheres with a Concentric Thin Oil Layer: Protecting and Targeting Therapeutic Agents for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
ACS applied bio materials · 2025 · PubMed

The oil layer protects encapsulated materials from the acidic stomach environment during digestion.; Hydrogel cores provide high stability under high osmolarity conditions in the stomach.; Fine-tuning the shell composition enables selective release in response to gut pH conditions.; The system preserves anti-inflammatory activities of 5-ASA and KPV and their effects on colonic epithelial cell migration and proliferation.

KPV and RAPA Self-Assembled into Carrier-Free Nanodrugs for Vascular Calcification Therapy
Advanced healthcare materials · 2024 · PubMed

KPV and RAPA self-assembled into carrier-free spherical nanoparticles with good stability and biosafety.; KPV-RAPA nanoparticles significantly inhibited vascular calcification in mice compared to other treatment groups.; The mechanism involved inhibition of inflammatory responses and activation of autophagy.; The nanoparticles show potential as therapeutic agents for vascular calcification combination therapy.

Frequently asked questions

What is KPV?

**Mechanism of Action** KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine), the C-terminal tripeptide of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH 11-13), exerts anti-inflammatory effects primarily through PepT1-mediated cellular uptake. Once internalized, it inhibits nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine pro

How does KPV work?

C-terminal tripeptide of α-MSH with anti-inflammatory action via PepT1 uptake and NF-κB inhibition, studied in IBD models.

What is the research status of KPV?

KPV is currently classified as preclinical, with 91 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.

What is the molecular weight of KPV?

KPV has a molecular weight of approximately 192.21 g/mol (formula C11H12O3).

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