The C-terminal tripeptide α-MSH(11–13), also known as KPV (L-Lys-L-Pro-L-Val), exhibited anti-inflammation without induction of cutaneous pigmentation in a frog skin bioassay. The underlying molecular mechanisms of the α-MSH(11–13) anti-inflammatory properties have not been determined in detail. However, they are related to an inhibition of TNF-α, IL-6, and nitric oxide production in a model of LPS-stimulated murine microglial cell culture[1]. Furthermore, it has been recently shown that α-MSH(11–13) reduces activation of NF-κB and decreases its translocation into the nucleus by interaction with importin family proteins.
