Immune Support Research Guide

KPV: Dosage, Benefits & Research Guide

Key Facts

KPV is a immune support research peptide (C17H32N6O4, MW 384.48 g/mol). Alpha-MSH tripeptide fragment for anti-inflammatory and IBD research. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory and in-vitro research use only — not for human consumption.

Classification	Alpha-MSH tripeptide fragment for anti-inflammatory and IBD research.
Molecular Formula	C17H32N6O4
Molecular Weight	384.48 g/mol
CAS Number	112965-21-6
Research Half-Life	Not established in published literature
Form	Lyophilized powder
Research Category	Immune Support

What is KPV?

KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine) is a C-terminal tripeptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), specifically positions 11-13. Despite being only three amino acids, KPV retains the potent anti-inflammatory activity of the full-length hormone while lacking melanotropic and steroidogenic effects. KPV suppresses inflammation by inhibiting NF-kB nuclear translocation and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production, including IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. It enters cells and interacts directly with inflammatory signaling cascades independently of melanocortin receptors. Research published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry by Brzoska et al. demonstrated that KPV inhibited NF-kB activation in human intestinal epithelial cells, reducing inflammatory gene expression by 60-80% at micromolar concentrations. Studies in murine colitis models published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases showed that oral and intracolonic KPV administration significantly reduced disease activity index scores, colonic inflammation, and histological damage. Dalmasso et al. (2008) in PLoS ONE confirmed that KPV-loaded nanoparticles effectively targeted inflamed colonic tissue and accelerated mucosal healing. Compared to full-length alpha-MSH, KPV offers the advantage of anti-inflammatory activity without pigmentation effects or hormonal side effects. Unlike conventional anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids or NSAIDs, KPV targets intracellular NF-kB signaling rather than cyclooxygenase or glucocorticoid receptor pathways, representing a mechanistically distinct approach to inflammation modulation. Store lyophilized KPV at -20°C. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and refrigerate at 2-8°C, using within 4 weeks. KPV is researched by gastroenterologists studying inflammatory bowel disease, dermatologists investigating anti-inflammatory skin treatments, and immunologists examining NF-kB-dependent inflammatory pathways.

KPV Research Applications

In published and preclinical research, KPV has been studied across the following areas:

Intestinal inflammation and IBD models
Anti-inflammatory pathway modulation
Wound healing and scar prevention
Antimicrobial activity studies

KPV in Research: Reconstitution & Study Concentrations

KPV is supplied as a lyophilized powder. For laboratory research it is reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water; the solvent volume sets the working concentration. Published studies select concentrations specific to the assay or model system — there is no human dose, as KPV is not approved for human use. Researchers should reference the primary literature for the model in question and document the exact lot COA.

Worked example: a 10mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 5.00 mg/mL.

Open the reconstitution calculator

KPV — Frequently Asked Questions

What is KPV and how does it work?

KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine) is a tripeptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Despite being only three amino acids, KPV retains the anti-inflammatory activity of the full 13-amino acid alpha-MSH without the pigmentation effects. It has been observed in preclinical studies to inhibit NF-kB signaling, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta), and modulate inflammatory cell migration.

What research has been done on KPV?

Published research in the Journal of Biological Chemistry demonstrated that KPV enters inflammatory cells and directly inhibits NF-kB activation in the nucleus. Studies in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases journal showed KPV reduced colonic inflammation in IBD mouse models when delivered orally in nanoparticle formulations. Additional research has explored its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, wound healing acceleration, and dermal inflammation models.

How does KPV compare to BPC-157 for inflammation research?

KPV and BPC-157 address inflammation through different mechanisms. KPV specifically targets NF-kB signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, making it a focused anti-inflammatory tool. BPC-157 has broader regenerative effects through NO system modulation, growth factor upregulation, and angiogenesis. For pure inflammation pathway research, KPV provides more specific NF-kB targeting. For tissue repair studies that include inflammation, BPC-157 offers a wider mechanism profile.

What is the recommended reconstitution protocol for KPV?

For this 10mg vial, reconstitute with 1mL of bacteriostatic water to yield a concentration of 10.0mg/mL. Inject the water slowly along the inner wall of the vial — do not shake or agitate. Allow the lyophilized powder to dissolve fully (typically 2-5 minutes). Store reconstituted solution at 2-8°C and use within 30 days.

Is KPV legal to buy for research?

KPV is sold in the United States as a research chemical for laboratory and in-vitro use only. It is not approved by the FDA for human use and is not sold for human consumption. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations.

How is KPV reconstituted for research use?

KPV ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water before use in research. The volume of solvent added determines the working concentration — use the Elyte reconstitution calculator to derive the exact concentration for a given vial size and solvent volume.

Does KPV come with a Certificate of Analysis?

Yes. Every batch of KPV from Elyte Peptides ships with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting identity and HPLC purity (≥98%), so research results can be traced to a verified lot.

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