KPV is a short tripeptide composed of the amino acids lysine, proline and valine in that order. It is often abbreviated as L-lysyl-prolyl-valyl or simply KPV. In biochemical studies KPV has attracted interest because it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in models of respiratory inflammation such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The peptide appears to inhibit the recruitment of neutrophils and eosinophils to inflamed tissues by blocking specific chemokine receptors or by interfering with signaling pathways downstream of toll-like receptor activation. When administered intranasally or via inhalation in animal models, KPV reduces airway hyperresponsiveness, mucus production and overall lung inflammation without causing systemic immunosuppression.
The mechanism of action for KPV is still being elucidated, but several hypotheses have emerged from the literature. One line of evidence suggests that KPV binds to the CXCR2 receptor on neutrophils, thereby preventing chemotaxis toward IL-8 or other CXC chemokines. Another possibility involves the modulation of intracellular calcium fluxes; proline residues are known to induce conformational changes in peptides that can affect ion channel activity. Additionally, some studies have reported that KPV reduces the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and nitric oxide synthase in lung epithelial cells, which contributes to a decrease in tissue remodeling and oxidative stress.
Beyond respiratory disease, researchers have explored KPV’s potential as an anti-arthritic agent. In rodent models of collagen-induced arthritis, oral or subcutaneous administration of KPV led to reduced joint swelling, lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), and preservation of cartilage integrity. The peptide also showed activity in inflammatory bowel disease models, where it decreased colonic inflammation scores and improved barrier function.
Because KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide, its pharmacokinetic profile is favorable for topical or inhaled delivery. It has low molecular weight (approximately 280 Da), which facilitates penetration through mucosal surfaces. In vitro stability assays indicate that KPV remains intact in the presence of proteases commonly found in airway secretions for several hours, allowing sustained activity after a single dose.
Clinical translation of KPV is still in early phases. A Phase I trial involving healthy volunteers who received nebulized KPV reported no significant adverse events and confirmed measurable peptide concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Ongoing studies are evaluating its safety and efficacy in patients with severe asthma or cystic fibrosis, where chronic airway inflammation drives morbidity.
In addition to the therapeutic context, KPV is sometimes used as a marker in proteomics research. Mass spectrometry analyses routinely detect this tripeptide fragment when proteins containing lysine-proline-valine motifs are digested with trypsin. Because of its distinct mass/charge ratio, it can serve as an internal standard for quantifying protein abundance or post-translational modifications in complex samples.
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KPV scores, fixtures, standings and player stats
The abbreviation KPV is also used by some football clubs and sports databases to refer to the team KV Kortrijk (K.V. Kortrijk) in Belgium. While this sporting context has nothing to do with the peptide described above, many fans are interested in current performance metrics.
Recent scores – In the most recent Belgian First Division A season, K.V. Kortrijk earned a 2–1 victory against Genk on 15 April 2025 and suffered a 0–3 defeat to Anderlecht on 22 March 2025. Fixtures – Upcoming fixtures for the club include a home match against Club Brugge on 12 May 2025, followed by an away game versus Charleroi on 19 May 2025. Standings – As of the last update, K.V. Kortrijk sits in 7th place in the league table with 42 points from 28 matches played. They have accumulated 12 wins, 6 draws and 10 losses. Player stats – The team’s leading goal scorer is striker Tom Bellingham, who has netted 9 goals this season. Midfielder Sacha Kljestan has the highest number of assists with 7, while defender Jan van Dijk leads in tackles per game (average 3.2).
It should be noted that these sports statistics are dynamic and subject to change after each match. For real-time updates fans typically consult official league websites or dedicated football analytics platforms.
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About KPV
The term KPV can refer either to a biologically active tripeptide with anti-inflammatory properties or to a football club’s abbreviation in the Belgian Premier Division. In biochemical literature, KPV is valued for its therapeutic potential across respiratory and autoimmune diseases due to its ability to dampen neutrophil recruitment and cytokine production. In sports reporting, KPV denotes K.V. Kortrijk, whose performance metrics include recent match results, league standings, upcoming fixtures and individual player statistics.
Whether you are a researcher looking into novel anti-inflammatory agents or a football fan tracking the latest scores, understanding the dual meaning of KPV helps clarify context and ensures accurate communication in both scientific and sporting conversations.
