LL-37 — EU research guide.
LL-37 is the only known human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. It is produced by epithelial cells and neutrophils and plays a central role in innate immunity, wound healing and immune modulation.
What is LL-37?
LL-37 is derived from the C-terminal region of the human cathelicidin precursor protein hCAP-18. It is an amphipathic alpha-helical peptide that disrupts bacterial membranes, modulates TLR signalling, promotes angiogenesis and stimulates wound re-epithelialisation. It is produced endogenously in skin, lung and intestinal epithelia.
What does the research show?
Preclinical studies demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and some fungi. Wound-healing models show enhanced re-epithelialisation and angiogenesis. Anti-biofilm activity has attracted interest in chronic wound research. Immunomodulatory effects include both pro- and anti-inflammatory signalling depending on context and concentration.
EU legal status
LL-37 has no approved pharmaceutical status. It is studied as a research compound for antimicrobial and wound-healing mechanistic research. Sold for laboratory use only in the EU.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
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Frequently asked questions
What is LL-37? ▾
LL-37 is an antimicrobial peptide derived from the C-terminal region of the human cathelicidin precursor hCAP-18. It is an amphipathic alpha-helical peptide that disrupts bacterial membranes and modulates immune signalling, produced naturally in skin, lung and intestinal epithelia.
What does the research show? ▾
Preclinical studies show broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and some fungi, enhanced wound re-epithelialisation and angiogenesis, and anti-biofilm activity of interest in chronic-wound research.
Is LL-37 anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory? ▾
Both. Its immunomodulatory effects include pro- and anti-inflammatory signalling depending on context and concentration.
Has LL-37 been tested in humans? ▾
No human clinical trials are described. It is studied as a research compound for antimicrobial and wound-healing mechanistic research.
Is LL-37 legal in the EU? ▾
It has no approved pharmaceutical status and is sold for laboratory use only.
Is LL-37 banned in sport? ▾
It is not currently on the WADA prohibited list, though athletes should confirm the current list.