Compound monograph
KPV
KPV is a synthetic tripeptide, Lys-Pro-Val, corresponding to the C-terminal three residues of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone.
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Identity & nomenclature
KPV is a synthetic tripeptide, Lys-Pro-Val, corresponding to the C-terminal three residues of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone.
KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, residues 11 to 13, and is written in the literature as alpha-MSH(11-13). GSRS UNII 7V6LGD8S5R identifies free-terminal L-Lys-L-Pro-L-Val and includes CAS 67727-97-3 and PubChem CID 125672; acetate UNII HX2YJ5Z225 identifies a separate form.
Declared aliases and development codes: Lys-Pro-Val, alpha-MSH (11-13), MSH (11-13).
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Molecular properties
| Molecular formula | C16H30N4O4 |
|---|---|
| Molecular mass | 342.43 Da |
| CAS Registry Number | 67727-97-3 |
| PubChem CID | 125672 |
| UNII | 7V6LGD8S5R |
| One-letter sequence | KPV |
| Three-letter sequence | Lys–Pro–Val |
| Terminal groups | Free N-terminus; Free C-terminal carboxyl |
Tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, corresponding to residues 11 to 13 of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The correspondence is stated in the PubChem synonym record and in the source literature. The same three residues occupy positions 11 to 13 of Melanotan I, where Lys11 follows Gly10 and Val13 carries the C-terminal amide; that containment does not fix the termini of isolated KPV.
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Structural characteristics
Structure-activity work on acetylated, amidated analogs of the alpha-MSH(11-13) sequence reports that substituting D-amino acids at each position affects activity differently: the L-configuration of the proline at position 12 was required, the L-configuration of the lysine at position 11 was not, and D-valine substitution at position 13 was reported to increase activity approximately fourfold relative to the all-L peptide. The source literature also reports that the tripeptide is associated with inhibition of NF-kappa-B activation through preservation of the inhibitory protein I-kappa-B-alpha.
Terminal features: Free N-terminus, Free C-terminal carboxyl.
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Molecular targets & mechanisms
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Analytical considerations
At 342 Da this is among the smallest peptides in the library. The sequence contains no aromatic residues and no sulfur, so UV detection at 280 nm gives no useful chromophore response and sulfur-based oxidation pathways do not apply. Because commercially supplied material may be acetylated at the N-terminus and amidated at the C-terminus, identity methods must establish which form is present.
Disagreements and mix-ups
Points where sources disagree about this compound's identity, or where a name or form is easily confused with another, as noted in this record. The discrepancy register quotes the passage for each one.
Often mixed up · Salt or form
Free KPV vs N-acetylated, C-amidated KPV
What the studies reported
Each finding describes one cited study in its stated model. These observations are specific to that study and do not establish effects in other settings.
Cell and tissue studies
Macrophage activation assays measuring KC and interleukin-1β release
In macrophage activation assays measuring KC and interleukin-1β release, the study found no inhibition by KPV.
Reference [3]Macrophage cAMP assays
In macrophage cAMP assays, the study observed no increase in cAMP with KPV.
Reference [3]
Animal studies
Mice with crystal-induced peritonitis
In mice with crystal-induced peritonitis, the study reported significantly reduced accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the peritoneal cavity following KPV exposure.
Reference [3]Mice with crystal-induced peritonitis
In mice with crystal-induced peritonitis, the study reported that MC3/4 receptor antagonism with SHU9119 did not block the antimigratory effect of KPV.
Reference [3]
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Verified bibliography
Cited studies by type
The 3 papers this record cites, counted by the kind of work each reports. A count is the size of this record's selection, not of the research that exists, and says nothing about results, safety, effectiveness or approval.
A paper can report more than one kind of work. Each count opens those papers in the bibliography. Compare every record on the Evidence Map.
Reference 1
Anti-inflammatory activity of alpha-MSH(11-13) analogs: influences of alteration in stereochemistry.Hiltz ME, Catania A, Lipton JM
Peptides · 1991-07 · Journal Article
currentReference 2
The neuroimmunomodulatory peptide alpha-MSH.Ichiyama T, Sato S, Okada K, Catania A, Lipton JM
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · 2000 · Review
currentReference 3
Dissection of the anti-inflammatory effect of the core and C-terminal (KPV) alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides.Getting SJ, Schiöth HB, Perretti M
The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics · 2003-05-15 · Journal Article
current
Study models of these references
What kind of experiment each cited paper reports, taken from its abstract unless marked. Not a summary of results.
| Reference | Study models |
|---|---|
| Hiltz ME et al. 1991 | Study models reported: animal (mouse) · from the abstract |
| Ichiyama T et al. 2000 | Review article |
| Getting SJ et al. 2003 | Study models reported: in vitro; animal (mouse) · from the abstract |
Record history
Published 2026-09-12.
- : Sequence and structure
- : Identity and nomenclature
- : Sequence and structure
- : References
Each entry names the parts of this record that changed on that date. Changes to links between records and to catalogue links are not listed. This history covers the tracked record fields; study findings are not listed here.
Cite this record: Purely Peptides Research Library. KPV. Published 2026-09-12; updated 2026-10-14. https://purelypeptides.org/research/compounds/kpv/
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Methodology & citation verification
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