LL-37
Cathelicidin LL-37 — Host Defense Peptide
Half-life: Short (minutes-hours, rapidly degraded by proteases)
Research Profile
Relative research assessments — educational reference only.
Target Receptors
Critical Research Warning
Research chemical — not for human consumption. Potent host-defense peptide with dual pro- and anti-inflammatory effects; doses that are too high can be cytotoxic.
"The only human cathelicidin host-defense peptide. Kills bacteria, modulates inflammation, promotes wound healing, and is being studied for infections, sepsis, and tissue repair."
Full Description
LL-37 is the C-terminal 37-amino-acid active fragment of human cathelicidin (hCAP-18), the only cathelicidin family member expressed in humans. It is a multifunctional host-defense peptide: it has direct antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses; it modulates innate immune responses by chemoattracting immune cells and regulating cytokine production; and it promotes wound healing and angiogenesis. Because of rising antimicrobial resistance, LL-37 and its analogs are under active investigation as novel anti-infective and immunomodulatory therapeutics, including for sepsis, skin infections, and even as a potential antiviral (including against SARS-CoV-2).
Mechanism of Action
Disrupts microbial membranes (cationic amphipathic alpha-helix); activates multiple receptors (FPR2/ALX, P2X7, EGFR transactivation) to modulate inflammation; induces chemokine and antimicrobial peptide expression; promotes keratinocyte migration and angiogenesis for wound repair.
Reported Benefits
- • Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity (bacteria, fungi, viruses)
- • Modulates inflammation and recruits immune cells
- • Promotes wound healing and angiogenesis in models
- • Studied as adjunct in sepsis and resistant infections
Potential Side Effects
- • Protease degradation limits stability
- • Cytotoxicity at high concentrations in vitro
- • Potential pro-inflammatory effects in some contexts
- • Limited human safety data
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LL-37 do in the body?▼
Why is LL-37 being studied as a drug?▼
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For Research Reference Only
Not medical advice. Peptides may be regulated or restricted in your jurisdiction.
References
- 1.LL-37: Cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide with pleiotropic activity.. PubMed (2016). Fabisiak A, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27117377/ ↑
- 2.Cathelicidin peptide LL-37: A multifunctional peptide involved in heart disease.. PubMed (2024). Miao S, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39615616/ ↑
- 3.Therapeutic Potential of Cathelicidin Peptide LL-37, an Antimicrobial Agent, in a Murine Sepsis Model.. PubMed (2020). Nagaoka I, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32825174/ ↑
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