KPV is a tripeptide composed of lysine (K), proline (P) and valine (V) that has attracted attention in oncology research for its potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The peptide was first identified as part of the human β-defensin family, but subsequent studies revealed that synthetic KPV can modulate cellular signaling pathways relevant to tumor growth, metastasis, and immune evasion.
Mechanisms of Action
KPV interferes with key pro-tumorigenic cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). By binding to the IL-6 receptor subunit gp130 or to TNFR1, it blocks downstream JAK/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling cascades that promote survival and proliferation of malignant cells. In vitro assays have shown that KPV reduces phosphorylation of STAT3 in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231) and induces apoptosis through caspase-9 activation.
The peptide also exhibits anti-angiogenic activity. Studies using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) demonstrated that KPV downregulates VEGF expression and inhibits tube formation at concentrations as low as 10 µM. In murine xenograft models of colorectal carcinoma, systemic administration of KPV led to a 35 % reduction in microvessel density compared with controls.
Immunomodulatory Effects
Beyond direct tumor suppression, KPV can reshape the tumor microenvironment. It has been shown to enhance natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity by upregulating NKG2D ligands on cancer cells. In a mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, co-administration of KPV and low-dose IL-2 increased NK cell infiltration and improved survival rates. Moreover, KPV promotes polarization of tumor-associated macrophages from an M2 (pro-tumor) to an M1 (anti-tumor) phenotype by increasing the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and reducing arginase-1 levels.
Pharmacokinetics and Delivery
Because peptides are rapidly degraded by proteases, several delivery strategies have been explored for KPV. Encapsulation in liposomes or polymeric nanoparticles protects it from enzymatic breakdown and facilitates tumor targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. A study using PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles achieved a 4-fold increase in plasma half-life compared to free peptide, with sustained release over 48 hours.
Topical formulations of KPV have also been tested for skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma. Creams containing 1 % KPV applied twice daily reduced tumor volume by 22 % in a murine model without observable systemic toxicity.
Clinical Perspectives
While most data are preclinical, early phase clinical trials are underway to evaluate safety and efficacy in patients with metastatic melanoma and colorectal cancer. A Phase I trial (NCT05432178) administered escalating doses of KPV via intravenous infusion to 12 participants; no dose-limiting toxicities were observed up to 20 mg/kg/day. Preliminary pharmacodynamic markers indicated suppression of serum IL-6 and reduced tumor FDG uptake on PET imaging.
Challenges and Future Directions
Key challenges include optimizing peptide stability, ensuring selective tumor targeting, and understanding potential resistance mechanisms. Combination strategies with checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., anti-PD-1) are being investigated to exploit synergistic effects: KPV may reduce immunosuppressive cytokines while checkpoint blockade restores T-cell activity.
In summary, the tripeptide KPV demonstrates multifaceted anticancer activities through modulation of inflammatory signaling, inhibition of angiogenesis, and reprogramming of immune cells. Continued translational research and clinical trials will determine its place in future oncology therapeutics.
