Tissue-repair, gut & immune-signalling peptides
LL-37
Also known as cathelicidin · hCAP18 peptide · CAMP
The only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide — a 37-residue host-defence peptide with antimicrobial, anti-biofilm and immune-signalling activity.
In 60 seconds
Extensively studied in vitro and in animal models; LL-37-based topical therapeutics remain in development. Reviews note cytotoxicity at higher concentrations and a role in some inflammatory skin conditions — the reason translation has been slow.
- Reviews LL-37 as the sole human cathelicidin and its antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities.
- Reviews LL-37 as an anti-biofilm agent against biofilm-associated infections.
- Updates evidence that LL-37 acts on bacteria and viruses and inactivates endotoxin.
Mechanism
LL-37 disrupts bacterial membranes and biofilms, binds and neutralises endotoxin, and acts as an immune signal (chemotaxis, wound angiogenesis). Its activity depends heavily on context, and it can also amplify some inflammatory responses.
Research status
Extensively studied in vitro and in animal models; LL-37-based topical therapeutics remain in development.
Key studies
Reviews LL-37 as the sole human cathelicidin and its antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities.
LL-37: Cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide with pleiotropic activity — Pharmacol Rep, 2016 · PMID 27117377
Reviews LL-37 as an anti-biofilm agent against biofilm-associated infections.
Antibiofilm properties of cathelicidin LL-37: an in-depth review — World J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2023 · PMID 36781570
Updates evidence that LL-37 acts on bacteria and viruses and inactivates endotoxin.
Human antimicrobial/host defense peptide LL-37 may prevent the spread of a local infection through multiple mechanisms: an update — Inflamm Res, 2025 · PMID 40063262
Reviews the obstacles to turning LL-37 into oral antimicrobial therapeutics.
LL-37-based oral antimicrobial therapeutics: translational challenges and future directions-a narrative review — Odontology, 2026 · PMID 42763374
Safety signals in the literature
Reviews note cytotoxicity at higher concentrations and a role in some inflammatory skin conditions — the reason translation has been slow.
Legal status (South Africa)
Not registered as a medicine for human use in South Africa (unless stated otherwise); research use only.
Related compounds we stock
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Comparisons
Questions
What is LL-37?
The only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide — a 37-residue host-defence peptide with antimicrobial, anti-biofilm and immune-signalling activity. LL-37 disrupts bacterial membranes and biofilms, binds and neutralises endotoxin, and acts as an immune signal (chemotaxis, wound angiogenesis). Its activity depends heavily on context, and it can also amplify some inflammatory responses.
What is the research status of LL-37?
Extensively studied in vitro and in animal models; LL-37-based topical therapeutics remain in development.
What safety signals are reported for LL-37?
Reviews note cytotoxicity at higher concentrations and a role in some inflammatory skin conditions — the reason translation has been slow.
Does Living Water Labs stock LL-37?
Not at present. LL-37 is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. You can ask to be notified if we add it. Not registered as a medicine for human use in South Africa (unless stated otherwise); research use only.
More in Repair & immune
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.
