KPV (Lys-Pro-Val): Compound Reference for Researchers
A neutral reference sheet for KPV, a three-residue peptide corresponding to the C-terminal end of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone: structure and analytical notes.
For laboratory research use only. This page is educational. It does not describe uses, doses or effects in humans or animals, and nothing here is a recommendation. KPV is not an approved medicine. The research-use material we supply is not a medicine and is not for human or veterinary use.
At a glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Names | KPV; Lys-Pro-Val; α-MSH(11–13) |
| Class | Linear synthetic tripeptide; C-terminal fragment of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone |
| Sequence | H-Lys-Pro-Val-OH (L-amino acids, free acid) |
| Molecular formula | C16H30N4O4 |
| Molecular weight | 342.43 g/mol (average); monoisotopic mass 342.2267 Da |
| CAS number | 67727-97-3 |
| Form supplied | Component of our KLOW blend (lyophilized powder); not sold as a stand-alone product |
| Regulatory status | Not an approved drug that we could identify. |
Identity data from PubChem (CID 125672). The acetylated, amidated form Ac-KPV-NH2 is a different compound with a different mass; salt forms such as acetate or TFA also differ. Compare any mass with the laboratory’s own result for the lot you hold.
What it is
KPV is the three-residue sequence lysine–proline–valine found at the C-terminal end of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Laboratory work has studied it in cell and animal models, including its uptake by a peptide transporter in intestinal cells and its activity in models of intestinal inflammation (references 1–3), and reference 4 is a review of α-MSH and related tripeptides. It is made by chemical synthesis.
Regulatory and evidence context
KPV is a research compound. We did not find an approved medicine containing it. The literature cited here is in cell and animal systems and is included to show how the compound is characterised, not to endorse any conclusion in it.
How to read the evidence
- Know which material a study used. Clinical findings describe a regulated medicine in a defined population. Laboratory findings describe the compound in experimental systems.
- Animal and cell results are not human results.
- Quality matters. Experimental work depends on the peptide being what the label says, adequately pure, and in a known salt form.
Analytical notes
These points follow from the structure (see our guides to reading a COA and to HPLC, FTIR and mass spectrometry).
- Detection wavelength. There is no tryptophan, tyrosine or phenylalanine, so KPV has no useful absorbance at 254 or 280 nm. Detection relies on the peptide bond near 210–220 nm, so the wavelength matters when a purity figure is quoted.
- Retention. A very short, polar peptide with a basic lysine elutes early on reversed-phase HPLC, so the start of the chromatogram deserves a careful look.
- Mass check. Positive-mode electrospray would be expected to show [M+H]+ at about m/z 343.23 (342.2267 + 1.0073).
- Chemistry. No methionine, cysteine, asparagine or glutamine, so the common oxidation and deamidation pathways do not apply.
- In a blend. KPV sits in our KLOW blend with other peptides. A blend certificate should report each component separately; see our guide to reading a blend COA.
Handling and storage
General laboratory guidance for lyophilized peptides applies: store cold, dry, sealed and protected from light, let the vial reach room temperature before opening, and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles for any solution. Details are in our guide to research peptide storage and stability.
HLX Peptide documentation
- Product: KPV is a component of the KLOW blend (80 mg).
- Certificate: the KLOW report (tested April 23, 2026 by BT Labs; HPLC purity 99.9%) is published on the certificates of analysis page.
- Our process: Quality & Testing
References
- Getting SJ, et al. Dissection of the anti-inflammatory effect of the core and C-terminal (KPV) alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2003;306(2):631–637. PMID 12750433.
- Dalmasso G, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166–178. PMID 18061177.
- Kannengiesser K, et al. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008;14(3):324–331. PMID 18092346.
- Brzoska T, et al. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo, and future perspectives for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Endocr Rev. 2008;29(5):581–602. PMID 18612139.
Last reviewed October 17, 2026. All products are sold strictly for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, and not a drug, food, or cosmetic.