LL-37 (Human Cathelicidin)
Human Cathelicidin · Antimicrobial Peptide
Overview
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a 37-amino acid cationic peptide derived from hCAP18 that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi while modulating immune responses.
Provides direct antimicrobial activity through membrane disruption, promotes wound healing by enhancing keratinocyte migration and angiogenesis, and modulates immune responses without systemic exposure when used topically.
68% ulcer area reduction demonstrated with 0.5mg/mL concentration in clinical trials.
granulation tissue formation and wound closure.
Accelerated healing demonstrated in animal models.
Mechanism
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a 37-amino acid cationic peptide derived from hCAP18 that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi while modulating immune responses.
Provides direct antimicrobial activity through membrane disruption, promotes wound healing by enhancing keratinocyte migration and angiogenesis, and modulates immune responses without systemic exposure when used topically.
68% ulcer area reduction demonstrated with 0.5mg/mL concentration in clinical trials.
Research areas
- LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a 37-amino acid cationic peptide derived from hCAP18 that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi while modulating immune responses.
- Provides direct antimicrobial activity through membrane disruption, promotes wound healing by enhancing keratinocyte migration and angiogenesis, and modulates immune responses without systemic exposure when used topically.
- 68% ulcer area reduction demonstrated with 0.5mg/mL concentration in clinical trials.
- granulation tissue formation and wound closure.
- Accelerated healing demonstrated in animal models.
Research notes
- Generally well-tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions (injectable)
- Local irritation at application site (topical)
- Severe injection site reactions with spreading inflammation
- Allergic reaction signs (rash, difficulty breathing, swelling)
Pharmacokinetics
- Provides direct antimicrobial activity through membrane disruption, promotes wound healing by enhancing keratinocyte migration and angiogenesis, and modulates immune responses without systemic exposure when used topically.
Questions
How much faster does LL-37 heal wounds compared to standard care?
LL-37 at 0.5mg/mL concentration reduced chronic venous leg ulcer area by 68% in clinical trials. Healing acceleration is most dramatic in weeks 2-4, with granulation tissue formation and epithelial migration visibly increasing compared to untreated wounds.
Can LL-37 be combined with antibiotics?
Yes, synergistically. LL-37 combined with conventional antibiotics shows FICI values of 0.25-0.5, indicating synergistic antimicrobial activity. Using them together may efficacy against resistant organisms.