KPV Peptide: The Anti-Inflammatory α-MSH Fragment

KPV is what happens when a much larger signaling molecule is trimmed down to the three residues that do the anti-inflammatory work. It is the C-terminal tripeptide of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and it is studied precisely because it separates the anti-inflammatory arm of α-MSH from the melanotropic arm.

The molecule

KPV is the sequence Lys-Pro-Val (C₁₆H₃₀N₄O₄, ≈ 342 g/mol) — the last three amino acids of α-MSH. The parent peptide signals through the melanocortin system; KPV on its own is referenced in research for pro-resolution, cytokine-modulating activity tied to NF-κB–associated signaling, while showing no pigmentation pathway engagement.

Why it’s studied

Because KPV keeps the anti-inflammatory profile of α-MSH without the pigment response, it appears in research on:

• Mucosal and epithelial barrier integrity — where local inflammatory tone is the question
• Wound and dermal models — cell migration and local cytokine balance
• Combination formulations — it is one of the three arms in the GLOW and KLOW research blends, alongside BPC-157, GHK-Cu and TB-500

A frequently cited reference is Lipton’s 1992 patent on antipyretic and anti-inflammatory Lys-Pro-Val compositions — one of the earliest documents framing KPV as an independent active sequence rather than an inert fragment.

Handling notes

KPV is supplied lyophilized and reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use; the reconstitution calculator handles the liquid math. Storage at −20°C lyophilized.

See KPV for CAS, purity and full specifications.

For laboratory research use only. Not medical advice.