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
It appears to switch down one of the main inflammation signals inside cells.
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.
How the immune response escalates and resolves
Tap each stage to see what happens.
Background: Immune & Inflammation Research
Immune-modulating peptides are studied for their effects on T-cell maturation, cytokine signalling and inflammation control.
Some have approvals abroad for specific conditions; that does not equal broad evidence for general 'immune support'.
Research Areas & Routes Studied
- Colitis
- Skin inflammation
- Cytokine signalling
- 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.
Higher tiers carry more weight. Filled tiers have evidence for KPV; tap to read it.
- Murine colitis models report reduced inflammation with oral or nanoparticle-delivered KPV.
1 cited sources.
- Animal study1
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.
How to Read This Research
- Which condition was studied — infection, autoimmunity, or healthy volunteers?
- Did immune markers change, and did that translate into clinical outcomes?
- Boosting immune activity is not always beneficial; overactivity drives autoimmune disease.
- Cytokine changes in a blood test are an intermediate marker only.
- Cytokine
- A small protein that signals between immune cells.
- T-cell
- A white blood cell central to adaptive immunity.
- Immunomodulator
- Something that adjusts immune activity up or down.
Compare With Other Compounds
| KPV | Thymosin Alpha-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence grade | D — Preclinical Research | B — Moderate Human Evidence |
| Regulatory status | Research Use Only | Clinical Trials |
| Human data | No | Yes |
| Clinical trials | None identified | Registered trials exist |
| Research routes | Oral (animal research), Topical (research), Subcutaneous (research) | Subcutaneous injection |
| Cited sources | 1 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why It Is Used
- Skin & Hair
Skin, Hair and Wound Healing
The KLOW and GLOW stacks are the most-discussed cosmetic peptide combinations. Here is what each ingredient actually has behind it.
Read the case study - 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