KPV Refill 10mg

KPV Refill 10mg — α-MSH C-Terminal Anti-inflammatory Tripeptide Refill Cartridge for the AbsoluteBioLab Peptide Pen v3

The KPV Refill 10mg is a pre-filled lyophilised refill cartridge containing research-grade KPV, the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with the sequence Lys-Pro-Val. KPV is the minimal active fragment of α-MSH that retains the full anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of the parent peptide, while lacking the melanotropic activity associated with the N-terminal region of α-MSH. This refill format is designed for direct use with the AbsoluteBioLab Reusable Metal Peptide Pen v3, providing a convenient and reproducible format for pre-clinical research programmes requiring repeated administration of KPV.

Each refill cartridge contains 10mg of lyophilised KPV acetate salt, verified by RP-HPLC to a minimum purity of ≥99.0%, with molecular identity confirmed by ESI-MS. Endotoxin content is certified at <1.0 EU/mg by kinetic turbidimetric LAL assay, and residual moisture is verified at <5.0% by Karl Fischer titration. A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis is included with every order.

α-MSH is a 13-amino-acid neuropeptide derived from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) that exerts potent anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and immunomodulatory effects through activation of melanocortin receptors MC1R–MC5R. The C-terminal tripeptide KPV (residues 11–13 of α-MSH) was identified as the minimal active fragment responsible for α-MSH’s anti-inflammatory activity in early structure-activity studies, and has since been shown to act primarily through MC1R and MC3R to inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production. KPV’s small size (MW 341.43 Da) and resistance to proteolytic degradation make it a particularly stable and tractable research tool for investigating melanocortin receptor-mediated anti-inflammatory signalling.

Compound Identity & Molecular Data

Analytical Release Testing — Refill Cartridge Specification

Mechanism of Action

KPV acts primarily through the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) and, to a lesser extent, MC3R, which are expressed on immune cells, intestinal epithelial cells, and skin cells. MC1R activation by KPV inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation by stabilising IκBα — the endogenous inhibitor of NF-κB — preventing the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. This NF-κB inhibitory mechanism is the primary driver of KPV’s anti-inflammatory activity and has been demonstrated in macrophage, monocyte, and intestinal epithelial cell models.

In intestinal epithelial cell models, KPV has been shown to reduce inflammatory signalling and promote barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin-1, ZO-1) and reducing epithelial permeability in response to inflammatory stimuli. This barrier-protective activity, combined with its NF-κB inhibitory effects, makes KPV a valuable research tool for investigating the mechanisms of intestinal inflammation and mucosal healing in models of inflammatory bowel disease. KPV also exhibits direct antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, acting through membrane disruption mechanisms distinct from its receptor-mediated anti-inflammatory effects.

The MC1R-mediated anti-inflammatory activity of KPV is complemented by its ability to activate the cAMP/PKA pathway downstream of MC1R, which further suppresses NF-κB activation and promotes anti-inflammatory gene expression. KPV has also been shown to modulate the MAPK pathway, reducing ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation in response to inflammatory stimuli, contributing to its broad anti-inflammatory profile across multiple cell types and inflammatory models.

Research Applications

KPV is used across a broad range of pre-clinical anti-inflammatory and mucosal healing research. In gastrointestinal research, KPV is employed in rodent models of DSS-induced colitis, TNBS colitis, and intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury, where it reduces mucosal inflammation, promotes epithelial barrier repair, and improves histological scores. In skin research, KPV is used in models of contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and wound healing, where it reduces inflammatory cell infiltration and promotes keratinocyte migration. In antimicrobial research, KPV is studied for its direct bactericidal activity against gram-positive pathogens and its potential to modulate the skin microbiome. The refill cartridge format is particularly suited to research programmes requiring repeated subcutaneous or intradermal administration over extended time courses.

Reconstitution & Handling Guidance

KPV Refill cartridges are supplied in lyophilised form and must be reconstituted before use. For use with the AbsoluteBioLab Peptide Pen v3, reconstitute the cartridge with bacteriostatic water to the desired concentration. A typical reconstitution is 2ml bacteriostatic water per 10mg cartridge to yield a 5mg/ml solution. Allow the lyophilised cake to dissolve completely by gentle swirling — do not vortex. The reconstituted solution should be clear and colourless; discard if particulate matter or discolouration is observed. For in vitro applications, reconstitute in sterile PBS (pH 7.4) or cell culture-grade water.

Storage & Stability

Frequently Asked Questions

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