Reviewed by The Peptide Dispatch Editorial Team · Last reviewed July 6, 2026
KPV is a immune peptide, at the preclinical stage in the published literature. KPV is a C-terminal tripeptide fragment (amino acids 11-13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), consisting of the amino acids lysine-proline-valine. Despite its small size, KPV retains the full anti-inflammatory activity of the parent hormone while lacking its pigmentation effects. The peptide was first identified for its potent ability to suppress inflammatory responses in multiple experimental models. KPV works primarily by entering cells and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling cascade, which is a master regulator of inflammation. Research has shown particular promise for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where KPV can reduce colonic inflammation, improve intestinal barrier function, and promote mucosal healing. It has also shown antimicrobial activity against several pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The peptide's small size, stability, and multiple routes of administration (injectable, oral, and topical) make it a versatile research compound.
KPV is a C-terminal tripeptide fragment (amino acids 11-13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), consisting of the amino acids lysine-proline-valine. Despite its small size, KPV retains the full anti-inflammatory activity of the parent hormone while lacking its pigmentation effects. The peptide was first identified for its potent ability to suppress inflammatory responses in multiple experimental models. KPV works primarily by entering cells and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling cascade, which is a master regulator of inflammation. Research has shown particular promise for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where KPV can reduce colonic inflammation, improve intestinal barrier function, and promote mucosal healing. It has also shown antimicrobial activity against several pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The peptide's small size, stability, and multiple routes of administration (injectable, oral, and topical) make it a versatile research compound.
| Research Status | Preclinical |
|---|---|
| Half-Life | 15-30 minutes (rapid clearance) |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, Oral, Topical |
| Doses Reported in Published Studies | 200-500 mcg |
| Molecular Weight | 342.4 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C16H30N4O4 |
KPV acts by inhibiting NF-κB signaling, one of the primary pathways driving inflammation. It also suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and modulates immune cell activity. Unlike full-length α-MSH, KPV retains anti-inflammatory activity without melanocortin receptor-mediated side effects like skin pigmentation changes.
KPV is a C-terminal tripeptide fragment (amino acids 11-13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), consisting of the amino acids lysine-proline-valine. Despite its small size, KPV retains the full anti-inflammatory activity of the parent hormone while lacking its pigmentation effects. The peptide was first…
KPV acts by inhibiting NF-κB signaling, one of the primary pathways driving inflammation. It also suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and modulates immune cell activity. Unlike full-length α-MSH, KPV retains anti-inflammatory activity without melanocortin receptor-mediated side effects like skin…
KPV is at the following stage in the published literature: Preclinical. All information is for research and educational purposes only.
Reported half-life: 15-30 minutes (rapid clearance).
Reported administration route in the literature: Subcutaneous injection, Oral, Topical. This is not a recommendation for human use.
Educational content, not medical advice. Effects described are drawn from cited research in study subjects.