KPV
KPV research peptide. Lyophilized powder, ≥99% purity by HPLC. For research use only.
About KPV
What is KPV?
KPV is a tripeptide made of just three amino acids: lysine, proline and valine (Lys-Pro-Val). It corresponds to the C-terminal end of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which is why it is often called the α-MSH tripeptide or α-MSH(11–13).
Virexa Labs supplies KPV as a lyophilised research peptide for in-vitro laboratory research only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use.
Origin: a fragment of α-MSH
α-MSH is a 13-amino-acid peptide derived from the precursor protein pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). Besides its well-known role in pigmentation, α-MSH has been studied in many experimental systems for its anti-inflammatory activity.
Researchers found that much of this anti-inflammatory activity can be traced back to the short C-terminal sequence Lys-Pro-Val. KPV thus became a research tool in its own right: a very small peptide that allows inflammatory pathways to be studied separately from the pigment-related actions of full-length α-MSH.
Research areas
For researchers, the appeal of KPV lies in its simplicity: three amino acids are easy to synthesise, characterise and modify. That makes the peptide convenient for structure–activity studies and for delivery research, such as nanoparticle formulations tested in colitis models.
KPV has been studied in cell-culture and animal models, mainly in the field of inflammation:
- Intestinal inflammation models, including experimental colitis in rodents
- Intestinal epithelial cell cultures and inflammatory signalling such as the NF-κB pathway
- Skin and mucosal inflammation models
- Peptide transport studies involving the intestinal peptide transporter PepT1
Handling, reconstitution and storage
Store lyophilised KPV at −20 °C, dry and dark; 2–8 °C is fine for short-term storage. Bacteriostatic water is usually used for reconstitution – add it slowly along the vial wall and swirl gently until dissolved, without shaking.
Keep the solution at 2–8 °C, use it within about 4 weeks and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
When you buy KPV for research from Virexa Labs, each batch has been tested by HPLC (≥99% purity) and mass spectrometry; the COA is linked on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What is KPV?
KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, the C-terminal fragment of α-MSH. It is a research peptide studied in inflammation models, especially models of intestinal inflammation.
How is KPV related to α-MSH?
KPV consists of the last three amino acids (positions 11–13) of the 13-amino-acid hormone α-MSH. Research suggests that this short sequence accounts for much of the anti-inflammatory activity of α-MSH observed in experimental models.
How do I store KPV?
Lyophilised at −20 °C, dry and protected from light (2–8 °C short term). Reconstituted at 2–8 °C, used within about 4 weeks and without repeated freezing and thawing.
What do I reconstitute KPV with?
Usually with bacteriostatic water, added slowly along the vial wall. Swirl gently rather than shaking. The volume depends on the concentration your protocol requires.
Is KPV suitable for human use?
No. KPV from Virexa Labs is sold for in-vitro laboratory research only and is not intended for human or veterinary use.