Made in USA · ≥99% HPLC
Tripeptide
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KPV 10mg & 5mg
Lys-Pro-Valα-MSH (11-13)α-MSH C-terminal tripeptide
A three-amino-acid tripeptide derived from α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, supplied as 10 mg of sterile lyophilized powder for in-vitro NF-κB and inflammatory-signaling research.
Price range: $34.95 through $49.95
In stock
For laboratory and research use only. Not for human consumption.
This product is not a drug, food or cosmetic. It is sold exclusively to qualified researchers and licensed laboratories.
Tested by Freedom Diagnostics TestingHPLC purity + LC-MS identityLot-matched COA on-site
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Verified COA
Batch-tested & posted · Freedom Diagnostics
Purity (HPLC-UV)99.899%
Identity (LC-MS)Confirmed
Net content10.83 mg
ReportedFeb 6, 2026
US-synthesizedMade & lab-released in the United States
Independent COAThird-party Certificate of Analysis per lot
HPLC + LC-MSPurity by HPLC, identity by mass spectrometry
Same-day dispatchOrders before 2 PM CT ship the same business day
What is KPV?
KPV is a linear tripeptide composed of lysine, proline, and valine (Lys-Pro-Val) — the three C-terminal residues (positions 11–13) of the 13-amino-acid hormone α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Unlike the parent hormone, KPV does not engage melanocortin receptors (MC1R to MC5R), yet it retains NF-κB inhibitory activity through a receptor-independent mechanism. This separation of activities is what makes it a useful tool compound for dissecting receptor-dependent from receptor-independent α-MSH biology.
Research areas where laboratories buy KPV for in vitro work include NF-κB pathway-inhibition studies in colonic epithelial cell lines, PepT1 oligopeptide-transporter uptake research, MAPK signaling-suppression assays, and murine colitis models (DSS, TNBS) for damage scoring and cytokine quantification. The peptide is also studied for its antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, retained from the parent α-MSH sequence.
Every lot, independently verified
Independently third-party tested and matched to the lot ID printed on your vial. Values below are from the latest released lot.
99.90%
HPLC-UV Purity
Passed full QC panel
Independent third-party lab (Freedom Diagnostics Testing)
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Latest batch · tested 10 Feb 2026 · Freedom Diagnostics (USA)
Lot details
ProductKPV 10 mg
LotPer-batch on COA
AppearanceWhite lyophilized powder
Accession #2602060018
Reported10 Feb 2026
Full QC panel · third-party lab7 assays
Purity (HPLC-UV)99.899% ✓
Identity (LC-MS)KPV ✓
HPLC conformity (2×)Confirmed ✓
Net content10.83 mg ✓
Heavy metals (ICP-MS)Not Detected ✓
SterilityNo Growth ✓
Endotoxin (USP <85>)Within limits ✓
Every lot is released against Koi's full QC panel — HPLC purity, LC-MS identity, net content, heavy metals, sterility, and endotoxin — by an independent third-party laboratory (Freedom Diagnostics Testing). The lot-specific certificate is published in our public COA library and matched to the lot ID printed on the vial.
Browse full COA library →
Compound information
Chemical & structural reference data — specifications, molecular profile and handling.
Product Specifications
CompoundKPV (Lys-Pro-Val tripeptide, C-terminal α-MSH fragment)
Vial size10 mg
Purity≥99% by HPLC
Identity confirmationMass spectrometry
FormWhite lyophilized powder
Appearance in solutionClear, colorless solution
ManufacturingSynthesized and lyophilized in the United States
Quality testingIndependent third-party laboratory release (Freedom Diagnostics Testing)
Molecular Profile
SequenceLys-Pro-Val (H-Lys-Pro-Val-OH)
Molecular formulaC16H30N4O4
Molecular weight342.43 g/mol
CAS number67727-97-3
PubChem CID125672
Other namesα-MSH (11-13) · MSH (11-13)
Structure classLinear tripeptide · C-terminal α-MSH fragment
Storage & Handling
AppearanceWhite lyophilized powder
SolubilitySterile water · neutral pH
Storage · powder−20 °C, desiccated, dark (−80 °C long-term)
In solution2–8 °C; aliquot & freeze, avoid freeze-thaw
KPV Mechanism of Action
- Enters cells via PepT1, the proton-coupled di-/tripeptide transporter (reported Km ~160 µM in Caco-2 cells); PepT1 is upregulated in inflamed tissue, amplifying KPV uptake at inflammation sites.
- Competitively disrupts the p65/importin-α3 interaction in the cytoplasm, blocking nuclear translocation of NF-κB in cells exposed to IL-1β or TNF-α.
- Suppresses MAPK signaling at nanomolar concentrations, reducing ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation in stimulated intestinal epithelial cells.
- Does not engage melanocortin receptors (MC1R to MC5R); its activity is receptor-independent.
- Retains the antimicrobial activity of α-MSH against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus in published in-vitro assays.
- Studied in DSS and TNBS murine colitis models, measuring histological scores, cytokine expression, and leukocyte infiltration.
KPV Research Applications
- NF-κB pathway-inhibition studies in colonic epithelial cells (Caco-2, HT29) under inflammatory stimulation.
- PepT1 oligopeptide-transporter research — high-affinity uptake via the proton-coupled transporter upregulated in inflamed tissue.
- MAPK signaling-suppression assays measuring ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation in IL-1β / TNF-α-stimulated cells.
- Murine colitis models (DSS, TNBS) — histological damage scores, cytokine expression, and leukocyte infiltration.
- Antimicrobial-activity studies against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and other pathogens.
- Comparative work against the stereoisomer Lys-D-Pro-Val and the related tripeptide K(D)PT to map NF-κB inhibition determinants.
Why Buy KPV from Koi Peptides?
- Every batch of Koi KPV is synthesized and lyophilized in the United States, then released against independent third-party laboratory (Freedom Diagnostics Testing) testing.
- Each lot is tested by HPLC for purity, LC-MS for identity confirmation, and screened for endotoxin before release.
- The lot ID is printed on every vial and ties back to a public COA library, so researchers can verify documentation before they buy and after the vial arrives.
- Orders placed before 2 PM CT ship the same business day, and shipping is free on orders over $200.
References
The laboratory and preclinical research behind KPV — cited for scientific context.
Gastroenterology
PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation
Inflamm. Bowel Dis.
Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential
Endocrine Reviews
α-MSH and related tripeptides: anti-inflammatory and protective effects
View all 6 references +
- Dalmasso, G., et al. (2008). PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology, 134(1), 166–178. doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2007.10.026
- Kannengiesser, K., et al. (2008). Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 14(3), 324–331. doi.org/10.1002/ibd.20334
- Brzoska, T., et al. (2008). α-MSH and related tripeptides: anti-inflammatory and protective effects. Endocrine Reviews, 29(5), 581–602. doi.org/10.1210/er.2007-0027
- Catania, A., et al. (2004). Targeting melanocortin receptors as a strategy to control inflammation. Pharmacological Reviews, 56(1), 1–29. doi.org/10.1124/pr.56.1.1
- Cutuli, M., et al. (2000). Antimicrobial effects of α-MSH peptides. J. Leukocyte Biology, 67(2), 233–239. doi.org/10.1002/jlb.67.2.233
- Mandrika, I., et al. (2001). Melanocortin peptides on NF-κB DNA binding and NO production in macrophages. Biochemical Pharmacology, 61(5), 613–621. doi.org/10.1016/S0006-2952(00)00583-7
Regulatory Status
Regulatory status — provided for research context.
Regulatory Status
Regulatory status — provided for research context.
FDA Status
KPV is not approved by the FDA for any indication. The research-grade material supplied by Koi Peptides is synthesized for laboratory research only; it is not formulated, packaged or labeled as a drug, food or cosmetic.
Disclaimer
For laboratory and research use only. Not for human consumption. This product is not a drug, food or cosmetic. It is sold exclusively to qualified researchers and licensed laboratories. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About KPV
What is KPV used for in research?+
KPV is the reference receptor-independent anti-inflammatory tripeptide in cellular and animal models of intestinal and dermal inflammation. In-vitro studies characterize NF-κB nuclear translocation, MAPK suppression, and PepT1-mediated uptake in colonic epithelial cells (Caco-2, HT29); murine DSS/TNBS colitis models use it for damage scoring and cytokine quantification.
What purity is Koi's KPV?+
≥99% by HPLC (latest lot 99.9%), with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry. Every lot is released against third-party testing for HPLC purity, LC-MS identity, net content, heavy metals, sterility, and endotoxin, with a public lot-matched COA.
What is KPV's relationship to alpha-MSH?+
KPV is the three C-terminal residues (positions 11–13) of the 13-amino-acid α-MSH. Unlike the parent hormone, it does not engage melanocortin receptors (MC1R to MC5R) yet retains anti-inflammatory activity through receptor-independent NF-κB inhibition — making it a tool to separate receptor-dependent from receptor-independent α-MSH activities.
How does KPV enter cells without a receptor?+
Via PepT1, a proton-coupled di-/tripeptide transporter expressed in intestinal epithelium and upregulated during inflammation (Km ~160 µM in Caco-2). Once internalized, KPV blocks NF-κB nuclear translocation by competing with p65 for importin-α3 binding.
How do I prepare a KPV solution?+
Dissolve in sterile water at neutral pH — KPV is highly water-soluble, so no cosolvent is needed. Prepare working dilutions immediately before use, and for sterile cell-culture work filter through a 0.22 µm low-protein-binding membrane.
What is the CAS number for KPV?+
The CAS number for KPV is 67727-97-3, and the PubChem CID is 125672. It is the linear tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val (molecular weight 342.43 g/mol), also cataloged as the α-MSH (11-13) fragment.
How should KPV be stored?+
Hold the lyophilized powder at −20 °C (−80 °C long-term), desiccated and protected from light. Once dissolved, store at 2 to 8 °C, and aliquot/freeze for longer storage to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Is KPV for human use?+
No. KPV is for laboratory and research use only and is not for human consumption. It is sold exclusively to qualified researchers and licensed laboratories.
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