LL-37
Also known as · Cathelicidin · hCAP18 fragment
Overview
The only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, part of innate immune defence at skin and mucosal surfaces, with broad antibacterial, antibiofilm, and wound-healing activity.
Research profile · for clinicians
Based on research: studied for biofilm disruption, chronic-wound healing, and immune modulation. Its dual nature — protective at low levels, pro-inflammatory when overexpressed in psoriasis — is a recurring theme.
Mechanism of action
Amphipathic helix inserts into and permeabilises microbial membranes; separately signals through FPRL1 to recruit immune cells, promote angiogenesis, and drive re-epithelialisation.
Research record
- [01]Topical LL-37 improved healing of hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers in a Phase 2 trial.
- [02]Overexpression implicated in psoriasis and rosacea pathology.
Selected references
LL-37 in wound healing: a phase 2 trial in venous leg ulcers
J. Invest. Dermatol., 2014
Research deep dive
Every cited study, explained
Plain-language walkthroughs of each reference, with direct PubMed links and dosing-literature context.