Gut & Immune
KPV + LL-37 Gut Healing Research Stack
KPV α-MSH tripeptide and the human cathelicidin LL-37 — an immunomodulatory + antimicrobial peptide stack studied for intestinal mucosal research.
2 peptides 6-week cycle intermediateUpdated 2026-05-16
Mucosal barrier integrityAnti-inflammatory tone (NF-κB)Antimicrobial defence
Mechanism
KPV — mechanism of action
KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) — the C-terminal of α-MSH. Despite its small size, in animal-model research:
- Suppresses NF-κB activation in intestinal epithelium.
- Reduces TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 in chemically-induced colitis models.
- Improves epithelial barrier function (occludin / ZO-1 expression).
- Bioavailable orally via the PepT1 di/tripeptide transporter.
LL-37 — mechanism of action
LL-37 is the C-terminal active fragment of the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. In research:
- Direct antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Modulates innate immune signalling — chemotactic for neutrophils and monocytes.
- Stimulates angiogenesis at low concentrations; cytotoxic at high concentrations.
- Plasma half-life is short — repeated injection or sustained formulations are used in research.
Full research protocol — dosing table
| Peptide | Dose | Frequency | Timing | Cycle length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPV | 200–500 µg | Daily Oral or SC | Empty stomach | 4–6 weeks |
| LL-37 | 100 µg | Every other day SC | Rotating sites | 4–6 weeks |
Weekly research timeline
| Peptide | Wk 1 | Wk 2 | Wk 3 | Wk 4 | Wk 5 | Wk 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPV | 300 µg/d | 500 µg/d | 500 µg/d | 500 µg/d | 300 µg/d | 200 µg/d |
| LL-37 | 100 µg EOD | 100 µg EOD | 100 µg EOD | 100 µg EOD | — | — |
Routes: SC = subcutaneous · IM = intramuscular · IN = intranasal · Oral · Topical.
Safety profile & regulatory note
Where to source these research peptides
Each peptide in this stack has a dedicated research monograph on PeptideAuthority.co.uk and a research-grade SKU at PeptideBarn.co.uk. All compounds are sold strictly for in vitro research.
Frequently asked research questions
KPV down-regulates NF-κB-driven inflammation (the chronic-inflammation axis), while LL-37 provides direct antimicrobial action against gut pathobionts. The combination addresses both inflammatory and microbial drivers of mucosal disturbance in published rodent IBD models.