What is KPV?

KPV is a synthetic tripeptide with the sequence Lys–Pro–Val, constituting the C-terminal fragment (positions 11–13) of α-melanotropin (α-MSH). This compound was characterised as part of research into short fragments of melanocortin hormones conducted from the 1980s and 1990s onwards. Due to its structural stability and good solubility in aqueous environments, KPV has become a useful model for studying peptide signalling in experimental systems.

In experimental studies, KPV has been utilised to analyse mechanisms related to the modulation of inflammatory pathways, including interactions with elements of the NF-κB pathway and peptide transporters (e.g. PepT1) in in vitro and in vivo models. Its effect on the expression of selected cellular mediators and on cell migration and adhesion processes under experimental conditions has been described. Attention has been drawn to its interactions with signalling systems independent of classical melanocortin receptors.

Due to its precisely defined chemical structure and high reproducibility of observed biological effects in preclinical models, KPV is used as a research tool in molecular biology, cell biology and experimental pharmacology. In scientific literature, it is also sometimes utilised as a reference short peptide for the evaluation of inflammatory signalling processes and for the validation of analytical methods used in the study of bioactive tripeptides. The preparation is intended exclusively for research work.

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Products in this category are not medicines, foodstuffs or dietary supplements. The products are classified as chemical reagents/reference materials authorised for marketing within the European Union and may be used exclusively for laboratory scientific research.