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Immune & Inflammation Research

KPV

Also referenced as: Lys-Pro-Val, alpha-MSH (11-13)

The anti-inflammatory C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH, studied in gut inflammation models.

Evidence grade
DPreclinical Research

Preclinical Research

Regulatory status
Research Use Only
Human data
No

No registered clinical trials identified

Last reviewed
September 1, 2026

Overview

KPV is the final three amino acids of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, the portion associated with anti-inflammatory activity rather than pigmentation.

Interest centres on inflammatory bowel disease models, where oral and nanoparticle delivery has been studied in mice.

Why It's Being Studied

  • Intestinal inflammation, particularly colitis models.
  • Topical inflammatory skin conditions.
  • NF-κB signalling as an anti-inflammatory target.

Mechanism of Action

In plain language

It appears to switch down one of the main inflammation signals inside cells.

Technical detail

KPV enters cells partly via the PepT1 transporter, expressed on intestinal epithelium and immune cells, and inhibits NF-κB and MAPK activation, reducing IL-8 and other inflammatory cytokine expression. Effects appear largely melanocortin receptor-independent.

Research Areas & Routes Studied

Areas studied
  • Colitis
  • Skin inflammation
  • Cytokine signalling
Routes used in research
  • Oral (animal research)
  • Topical (research)
  • Subcutaneous (research)

Evidence Summary

Animal and cell studies in colitis and inflammation models. No published human trials were identified at last review.

Animal studies

  • Murine colitis models report reduced inflammation with oral or nanoparticle-delivered KPV.

In-vitro studies

  • Epithelial and immune cell studies characterising PepT1 uptake and NF-κB inhibition.

Anecdotal / community information

  • Gut-health communities discuss KPV alongside BPC-157. No established human dosing protocol exists.

Reported Adverse Events in Research

  • No human safety data.

Limitations of Current Evidence

  • Preclinical only.
  • Delivery and stability in humans are unresolved.

Why It Is Used

  • Skin & Hair

    Skin, Hair and Wound Healing

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  • Immune

    Immune Resilience and Inflammation

    Frequent infections and chronic inflammatory conditions drive interest here — and this category has more real clinical use behind it than most.

    Read the case study

Research References

  • Animal study

    KPV tripeptide and intestinal inflammation via PepT1

    View Study
This page is an educational research summary. It is not medical advice, does not recommend human use, and does not provide individualised dosing. Many compounds discussed here are research use only and are not approved medicines.