Melanocortin Peptides KPV and MC3R Agonists Reduce Inflammation in Lung Cells

Inflammation within the human bronchial epithelial cells lining the airways is a central pathological feature of numerous respiratory conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute lung injury. The melanocortin system, a complex network involving various peptides and receptors, is increasingly recognized for its potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, the tripeptide KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine) and agonists targeting the Melanocortin-3 Receptor (MC3R) have shown promise in other inflammatory contexts. However, the precise mechanisms by which these specific melanocortin-related peptides inhibit both cellular and systemic inflammatory signals within human bronchial epithelial cells, and their potential interplay with the MC3R, remained an underexplored knowledge gap.