KPV is a short tripeptide consisting of lysine, proline, and valine that has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in models of airway inflammation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The peptide’s mechanism of action involves several interrelated pathways that converge on the attenuation of neutrophil recruitment, cytokine production, and extracellular matrix degradation.

Mechanistic Overview

Binding to Inflammatory Receptors
KPV interacts with the chemokine receptor CXCR2 on neutrophils, acting as a competitive antagonist. By occupying this receptor without activating it, KPV prevents the binding of pro-inflammatory ligands such as IL-8 and CXCL1. This blockade reduces calcium influx and downstream signaling cascades that normally lead to degranulation and reactive oxygen species production.

Modulation of Nuclear Factor κB (NF-κB)
Once inside the cell, KPV interferes with the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, the inhibitor of NF-κB. By preserving IκBα levels, KPV keeps NF-κB sequestered in the cytoplasm, thereby limiting transcription of genes encoding TNF-α, IL-1β, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The net effect is a dampened cytokine milieu that favors resolution over propagation of inflammation.

Influence on MAPK Pathways
The peptide also attenuates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. KPV reduces the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPKs, which are typically activated by oxidative stress and inflammatory stimuli. This action further diminishes pro-inflammatory gene expression and promotes cell survival pathways.

Promotion of Epithelial Repair
In airway epithelial cells, KPV upregulates the expression of tight junction proteins such as occludin and claudin-4. By enhancing barrier integrity, the peptide limits the translocation of allergens and pathogens that could otherwise trigger additional inflammatory responses. Additionally, KPV stimulates the production of amphiregulin, a growth factor involved in epithelial proliferation and wound healing.

Regulation of Apoptosis
KPV influences apoptotic regulators by increasing Bcl-2 expression while decreasing Bax levels. This shift favors cell survival during acute inflammatory episodes, preventing excessive loss of airway epithelium that can lead to chronic remodeling.

Peptide Reconstitution Calculator

When preparing KPV for in vitro or in vivo experiments, accurate reconstitution is critical to maintain potency and reproducibility. The Peptide Reconstitution Calculator is a tool designed to simplify this process by automatically computing the necessary volumes based on user inputs:

1. Peptide Mass – Enter the total weight of lyophilized KPV you possess (in milligrams).


2. Desired Concentration – Specify the target concentration for your stock solution (e.g., may22.ru 10 mg/mL or 100 µM). The calculator will convert between mass and molarity using the peptide’s exact molecular weight (approximately 232.34 g/mol for KPV).


3. Solvent Volume – Indicate the final volume of solvent (usually sterile water, PBS, or DMSO) required to achieve the desired concentration.


4. Dilution Factors – If multiple working concentrations are needed, the tool can suggest step-wise dilution schemes that preserve the integrity of the peptide.

The calculator outputs a concise reconstitution protocol: how many microliters of solvent to add per milligram of peptide, the total volume to prepare, and recommended storage conditions (typically −20°C or 4°C depending on stability data). Using this tool reduces errors associated with manual calculations and ensures consistent dosing across experiments.

Quick Reference

A handy Quick Reference sheet for KPV summarizes key experimental parameters:

• Molecular Weight: 232.34 g/mol


• Solubility: Highly soluble in water; limited solubility in organic solvents.


• Optimal Storage: Lyophilized powder at −20°C; reconstituted solution stored at 4°C for up to 1 week or frozen at −80°C for longer periods.


• Typical Working Concentrations:

- In vitro cell culture: 10–100 µM (0.0023–0.023 mg/mL)

- In vivo pulmonary delivery: 1–5 mg/kg body weight via intratracheal instillation

• Safety Notes: Peptide is generally well tolerated; monitor for potential local irritation upon aerosolized administration.


• Experimental Controls:

- Vehicle control (solvent only)

- Positive control (e.g., dexamethasone or anti-IL-8 antibody)
- Negative control (untreated cells or animals)

By adhering to these guidelines, researchers can reliably evaluate KPV’s therapeutic potential and dissect its multifaceted mechanism of action in inflammatory models.