A tripeptide is a peptide derived from three amino acids joined by two or sometimes three peptide bonds. As for proteins, the function of peptides is determined by the constituent amino acids and their sequence. In terms of scientific investigations, the dominant tripeptide is glutathione (γ-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine), which serves many roles in many forms of life.
Examples
Eisenin (pGlu-Gln-Ala-OH) is a peptide with immunological activity that is isolated from the Japanese marine alga (Eisenia bicyclis) which more commonly is known as Arame
KPV tripeptide (Pro-Val-Lys) has antiinflammatory effects and is used in skincare products.
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a human copper binding peptide with wound healing and skin remodeling activity, which is used in anti-aging cosmetics and more commonly referred to as copper peptide
Lactotripeptides (Ile-Pro-Pro and Val-Pro-Pro) found in milk products, act as ACE inhibitors
↑Yang D, Liu Q, Xu Q, Zheng L, Zhang S, Lu S, Xiao G, Zhao M. Effects of collagen hydrolysates on UV-induced photoaging mice: Gly-Pro-Hyp as a potent anti-photoaging peptide. Food Funct. 2024 Mar 18;15(6):3008-3022. doi:10.1039/d3fo04949cPMID38411396