Peer-Reviewed Research
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a tripeptide derived from the C-terminal sequence of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Published research has investigated KPV in inflammatory signaling, intestinal inflammation, mucosal repair, epithelial biology, vascular calcification, and peptide-delivery systems. Current evidence is predominantly laboratory and animal based; Published human clinical trials evaluating this compound remain limited.
Recent Original Research
Inflammation-triggered self-immolative conjugates enable oral peptide delivery by overcoming gastrointestinal barriers
Journal: Science Advances
Published: 2026
Study Type: Original laboratory and preclinical research
Summary
Researchers developed inflammation-responsive peptide conjugates designed to protect anti-inflammatory peptides during gastrointestinal transit and release them at inflamed tissue sites. The KPV-based conjugate demonstrated greater colonic accumulation than free KPV and enhanced activity in mouse models of colitis. The study evaluated an engineered KPV prodrug rather than unmodified KPV administered alone.
View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41533788/
Read Full Publication:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aea2989
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aea2989
KPV and RAPA Self-Assembled into Carrier-Free Nanodrugs for Vascular Calcification Therapy
Journal: Advanced Healthcare Materials
Published: 2024
Study Type: Original laboratory and preclinical research
Summary
This study combined KPV with rapamycin to create carrier-free nanoparticles for vascular-calcification research. In cellular and mouse models, the combined nanoparticles reduced inflammatory signaling, increased autophagy-related activity, and inhibited vascular calcification more effectively than the comparison treatments. Because this was a combined KPV–rapamycin formulation, the results should not be attributed to KPV alone.
View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39252648/
Read Publication:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adhm.202402320
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202402320
PepT1-targeted nanodrug based on co-assembly of anti-inflammatory peptide and immunosuppressant for combined treatment of acute and chronic DSS-induced ColitiS
Journal: Frontiers in Pharmacology
Published: 2024
Study Type: Original laboratory and preclinical research
Summary
Researchers developed a PepT1-targeted nanodrug by combining KPV with an immunosuppressive compound for experimental colitis. The formulation was evaluated in acute and chronic mouse models and was associated with targeted intestinal delivery, reduced inflammatory activity, and improved disease-related measurements. This publication examined a combination nanodrug rather than free KPV alone.
View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39211778/
A nanoparticle platform for combined mucosal healing and immunomodulation in inflammatory bowel disease treatment
Journal: Bioactive Materials
Published: 2024
Study Type: Original laboratory and preclinical research
Summary
This study developed hybrid lipid nanoparticles functionalized with a hyaluronan–KPV conjugate and loaded with teduglutide. Researchers investigated whether the platform could combine mucosal-healing activity with immunomodulation in inflammatory-bowel-disease models. The findings relate to a multi-component nanoparticle formulation and are not direct evidence for KPV used independently.
View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37859689/
Read Full Text:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10582360/
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.09.014
Landmark Original Research
Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease
Journal: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Published: 2008
Study Type: Original preclinical animal research
Summary
Researchers evaluated KPV in two mouse models of intestinal inflammation. KPV treatment was associated with improved recovery, reduced inflammatory-cell infiltration, lower myeloperoxidase activity, and reduced histologic inflammation. The findings also suggested that some effects occurred independently of melanocortin-1 receptor signaling.
View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18092346/
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1002/ibd.20334
PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation
Journal: Gastroenterology
Published: 2008
Study Type: Original laboratory and preclinical research
Summary
This foundational study investigated whether the intestinal peptide transporter PepT1 contributes to KPV uptake and anti-inflammatory activity. Researchers reported PepT1-mediated transport in intestinal epithelial and immune cells and observed reduced inflammation in experimental mouse models of colitis.
View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18061177/
Read Full Text:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2431115/
Review Articles
Exploring the Role of Tripeptides in Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review
Journal: International Journal of Medical Sciences
Published: 2025
Study Type: Comprehensive scientific review
Summary
This review examines multiple tripeptides studied in wound repair and skin regeneration, including KPV. It discusses inflammatory regulation, tissue regeneration, delivery systems, and KPV-containing hydrogels. This is a broad tripeptide review and should not be presented as a dedicated clinical evaluation of KPV.
View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41209547/
Read Full Text:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12595317/
Additional KPV Publications
Browse current PubMed research:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%28KPV%5BTitle%2FAbstract%5D%29+OR+%28%22Lys-Pro-Val%22%5BTitle%2FAbstract%5D%29
Research Disclaimer
The information presented in this Research Library is provided for educational and scientific reference purposes only and is based on published peer-reviewed research. Research findings continue to evolve, and investigational compounds may not be approved for clinical use. All Pearland Peptides products are supplied For Research Use Only and are not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease.