LL-37

Research

LL-37 (Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide)

Aliases
hCAP-18 fragment, Cathelicidin
Administration
Topical (research), Subcutaneous injection (research)

Overview

LL-37 is the only cathelicidin-family antimicrobial peptide in humans, produced by immune and epithelial cells as a first-line defense against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Beyond its direct antimicrobial action, it plays roles in wound healing, immune cell recruitment, and modulating inflammation, making it a research target for both infection control and tissue repair.

Treatments studied

Treatment categories

Chronic wounds (research)

Directly kills bacteria at the wound site while recruiting immune cells to support healing.

Skin infections (research)

Disrupts bacterial and fungal cell membranes directly, offering a mechanism distinct from traditional antibiotics.

Immune support (research)

Acts as a first-line antimicrobial and immune-signaling molecule produced naturally by immune cells.