LL-37
Also known as: LL-37, Cathelicidin, Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide
The only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, central to innate immunity. Studied for antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and wound-healing properties.
Last updated
Mechanism of Action
LL-37 is the active fragment of the human cathelicidin hCAP18 and exerts direct antimicrobial activity by disrupting microbial membranes across bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Beyond killing pathogens, it acts as an immunomodulator, recruiting immune cells, neutralizing endotoxin, and promoting angiogenesis and re-epithelialization in wound healing. Its expression is partly vitamin D dependent, linking it to broader innate immune regulation.
- Half-life
- Short; rapidly acting locally
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous, topical
- Research Status
- Research Chemical
Reported Benefits
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
- Immunomodulatory and endotoxin-neutralizing effects
- Promotes wound healing and angiogenesis
- Studied in chronic infection and biofilm research
- Bridges innate and adaptive immunity
Potential Side Effects
- Injection-site irritation
- Potential pro-inflammatory effects at high concentrations
- Theoretical role in some autoimmune conditions (e.g., psoriasis)
- Limited human injectable safety data
Common Dosing
Research literature references low microgram-to-milligram local applications; standardized human dosing is not established. Educational reference only.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Active autoimmune inflammatory skin disease (theoretical aggravation)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Not approved for human use
BPC-157
A synthetic peptide fragment derived from a protein found in gastric juice, studied for its broad tissue-healing and cytoprotective effects. Popular in research for tendon, ligament, muscle, and gut repair.
Thymosin Alpha-1
A thymus-derived immunomodulating peptide approved in many countries (as Zadaxin) for hepatitis and as an immune adjuvant. Studied for restoring and balancing immune function.
- View
A comprehensive summary of LL-37, the factotum human cathelicidin peptide
2012
- View
The cathelicidin anti-microbial peptide LL-37 is involved in re-epithelialization of human skin wounds and is lacking in chronic ulcer epithelium
2003
- View
Treatment with LL-37 is safe and effective in enhancing healing of hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
2014
- View
Efficacy of LL-37 cream in enhancing healing of diabetic foot ulcer: a randomized double-blind controlled trial
2023