How does it work?
In laboratory studies, KPV appears able to influence inflammatory signalling in epithelial and immune cells. Some studies investigate melanocortin receptors, while others point to receptor-independent mechanisms or transport through peptide transporters. This makes KPV interesting for barrier and inflammation models, particularly in the gut and skin.
Technical mechanism
C-terminal tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH. Research investigates anti-inflammatory signalling, the epithelial barrier and certain antimicrobial effects.
What is being researched?
- Inflammatory signalling in keratinocytes and airway epithelium
- Mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease
- Targeted delivery systems for KPV in colitis models
- Antimicrobial effects of alpha-MSH/KPV fragments
About the evidence: KPV has several relevant preclinical publications, but few robust human data. It should therefore be presented as a laboratory tool for inflammation and barrier models, not as a clinically documented substance.
Research profile
Studies and sources
The links go to independent research databases (PubMed, PubMed Central, ClinicalTrials.gov). The studies are in English and open in a new tab.
Inflammation and epithelial models
Cell and tissue studies investigate how KPV affects inflammatory signalling.
- alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone, MSH 11-13 KPV and adrenocorticotropic hormone signalling in human keratinocyte cells PreclinicalPubMed· 2004
This study investigated KPV and related peptides in human keratinocyte cells. The work looked at whether anti-inflammatory effects act via the melanocortin-1 receptor and cAMP, and is relevant to skin and epithelial models.
- Inhibition of cellular and systemic inflammation cues in human bronchial epithelial cells by melanocortin-related peptides: mechanism of KPV action and a role for MC3R agonists PreclinicalPubMed· 2012
This study investigated how KPV and melanocortin-related peptides affect inflammatory signalling in human bronchial epithelial cells. The study is mechanistic and preclinical.
Gut and colitis models
KPV has been investigated in animal models and targeted nanoparticle systems for inflammation in the gut.
- Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease PreclinicalPubMed· 2008
This animal study investigated KPV in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease. The results point to anti-inflammatory potential in the model, but are not clinical documentation in humans.
- Orally Targeted Delivery of Tripeptide KPV via Hyaluronic Acid-Functionalized Nanoparticles Efficiently Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis PreclinicalPubMed· 2017
This study used hyaluronic acid-functionalised nanoparticles for targeted delivery of KPV in colitis models. It is relevant to formulation and preclinical delivery research, not direct use.
- Antimicrobial effects of alpha-MSH peptides PreclinicalPubMed· 2000
This study investigated the antimicrobial effects of alpha-MSH and the KPV fragment against selected microorganisms. The findings are laboratory-based and provide background for barrier models in the skin and gut.