KPV

A tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH studied in inflammation research models.

KPV is a tripeptide made of lysine, proline and valine. It corresponds to the C-terminal end of a longer peptide hormone, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), and is studied in inflammation research models. Trinity Research supplies it as a lyophilised research material. This page is a reference monograph for qualified researchers. It covers identity, structure, regulatory context, analytical notes and the documentation supplied with each lot. It makes no claims about effects, safety or use.

1. Identity and identifiers

Name	KPV (L-lysyl-L-prolyl-L-valine)
CAS number	67727-97-3
Molecular class	Tripeptide; a fragment of alpha-MSH
Length	3 residues
Sequence	Lys–Pro–Val
Approximate molecular weight	About 0.34 kDa
Appearance as a powder	Typically white to off-white
Supplied as	Lyophilised powder in a sealed vial, with a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis

Identifiers and weights are shown for orientation. The values that apply to your material are those on the Certificate of Analysis for your lot.

2. Regulatory context

KPV has not been approved as a medicine for any use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or by any other major regulator. Material supplied by Trinity Research is a laboratory research material. It has not been evaluated by the FDA, is not a drug, and is not for human or veterinary use.

Nothing on this page should be read as encouraging the human use of any research material. Anyone with a medical question should speak to a licensed healthcare professional.

3. Origin and structure

The sequence Lys–Pro–Val matches residues 11 to 13 at the C-terminal end of alpha-MSH, a 13-residue peptide hormone. It is therefore a fragment of a larger molecule, and fragments of this kind are typically studied to find out which part of the parent molecule matters for a particular activity. The material supplied for research is made by chemical synthesis.

KPV contains one basic residue (lysine), a proline, and a valine. It has no metal, no aromatic side chain and no non-standard residues, which makes it a simple molecule chemically and one of the smallest in our catalogue. For a comparison with another three-residue peptide of quite different composition, see GHK-Cu vs KPV.

4. Areas of published research

Areas described in the literature	Inflammation-signalling research in cell and animal models, including intestinal and skin-related models

The table lists the areas in which the published literature has studied the molecule. It is a classification, not a statement about activity, and it does not describe any biological or clinical outcome. Readers interested in the underlying biology should consult the primary literature directly.

5. Analytical notes

Identity by mass spectrometry. With a single basic residue, KPV mostly appears as a singly charged ion near m/z 343, corresponding to a neutral mass of about 342. The low mass region of a spectrum is often crowded with background signals from solvents and additives, so the report should show a clear peak at the expected mass and give the theoretical and observed values.
A close neighbour in mass. GHK differs from KPV by only about two mass units. It is a pair where the compound name and the observed mass on the report should be read carefully. See GHK-Cu vs KPV.
Purity by HPLC. A very small, polar peptide like this can leave a reverse-phase column early, close to the solvent front. Check the method (column, gradient, detection wavelength) and confirm that the main peak is well separated from the front.
Detection wavelength. KPV has no aromatic side chain, so it does not absorb at 280 nm. Detection is done at short wavelengths, typically around 214 nm, where the peptide bonds absorb.
Only what is listed was tested. Do not assume other tests were run.

See our guides on how HPLC and mass spectrometry verify peptides and how to read a Certificate of Analysis.

6. Documentation with each lot

Each order ships with the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis for the material you receive. Check that the lot number on the report matches the one on your vial (see lot numbers and traceability) and that the report shows the methods behind each result. For notes on sealed material, see handling and storing lyophilised research material. Current document availability is listed in our Quality & COAs library.

7. What this page does not cover

This page does not describe effects, outcomes, safety or tolerability, and gives no information on doses, preparation or administration. Trinity Research does not provide dosing, reconstitution, administration, clinical, medical, veterinary or treatment guidance of any kind. Values are given for identification and reference and may be updated as the literature and regulatory position change.