Machine-assisted translation — the German original version is authoritative.
Tissue & Regeneration
KPV
Lysin-Prolin-Valin · α-MSH(11-13)
KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) of the anti-inflammatory hormone α-MSH. In cell and animal models it acts anti-inflammatorily — among other things via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway — and is investigated especially in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases. It is not approved as a medicine.
Regulatory status
Not approved for humans
A research substance — no approval; preclinical inflammation and gut research.
Drug class
Anti-inflammatory tripeptide (α-MSH C-terminus)
Half-life (informative)
Short.
Studied in the literature
In models orally and systemically; targeted release in the gut is being researched.
Mechanism of action
KPV is taken up via the peptide transporter PepT1 into (inflamed) intestinal epithelial cells and intracellularly inhibits the NF-κB and MAP kinase signaling pathways, which lowers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNF-α, IL-6). Because PepT1 is upregulated during inflammation, the peptide preferentially accumulates in inflamed tissue.
The data are preclinical; there is no approved indication.
Research history
KPV stems from α-MSH research. In 2008, Dalmasso, Merlin, and colleagues showed in Gastroenterology the PepT1-mediated uptake and the anti-inflammatory action in the gut.
Regulatory status by region
No approval for human use.
Research areas
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (colitis models)
- Skin inflammation and wound healing
- General inflammation modulation
Documented effects (from the literature)
- In models well tolerated and anti-inflammatory.
- Human safety is not established.
Safety concerns & caution
- There are no controlled human studies.
- "Immune" or "gut healing" as a self-use goal is not established.
Risks of gray-market purchase
- Marketed as a "healing peptide"; purity and identity are untested.
- Does not replace therapy in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.
Frequently asked questions
What is KPV being researched for?
Above all for inflammatory bowel diseases: KPV is taken up via the transporter PepT1 preferentially into inflamed intestinal tissue and inhibits inflammation signals there. The data, however, are preclinical.
Sources
Primary and reference sources for your own reading.
Related substances
Unfamiliar terms? Look them up in the glossary or read the fundamentals.
This profile is for information and education only. It is not medical advice and deliberately contains no dosing or usage details. Decisions about use belong in a doctor’s hands.