P Palthera
Signalling Peptides

LL-37

Cathelicidin LL-37 / hCAP-18 fragment

LL-37 is the C-terminal 37- active of the human cathelicidin precursor hCAP-18. It is an antimicrobial and immunomodulatory peptide expressed by neutrophils, macrophages, and epithelial cells. The peer-reviewed literature is large and includes antimicrobial, anti-HIV, and host-defence research.

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Abstract reference visual for Signalling Peptides.
Signalling Peptides
Classification
Human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (C-terminal cleavage of hCAP-18)
Research stage
Extensive in vitro / animal antimicrobial and immunomodulatory literature; early-phase human studies in skin and infection contexts
Sequence
LLGDFFRKSKEKIGKEFKRIVQRIKDFLRNLVPRTES
Molecular weight
4493.3 Da

Snapshot

Key takeaways

A three-bullet snapshot before reading the full dossier.

  1. 01

    host-defence peptide cleaved from the cathelicidin precursor hCAP-18.

  2. 02

    Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity plus immunomodulatory and chemotactic properties.

  3. 03

    Synthetic LL-37 is widely used as a research reagent; clinical use is investigational and not FDA-approved.

Dossier overview

4

research areas

3

references

3

handling notes

01

Mechanism of action

LL-37 disrupts microbial membranes through its amphipathic α-helical structure and additionally modulates host immunity via formyl peptide 2 (FPR2) signalling, neutrophil chemotaxis, and innate immune cytokine regulation.

02

Research applications

  • Antimicrobial peptide research (bacterial, viral, fungal models)
  • Host-defence and innate immunity research
  • Sepsis and inflammation research
  • Anti-HIV research (early-stage)

Evidence at a glance

What's behind this profile

3 citations · 2016–2021

Review
2

Narrative or systematic reviews; no primary data.

Other
1

Studies that did not match the categories above.

Publication years

  1. 16
  2. 17
  3. 18
  4. 19
  5. 20
  6. 21
20162021

Counts are derived from the cited studies below. A study covering both in vivo and in vitro work is counted by its primary model. Sample size is reported in 0 of 3 citations. Findings remain model-specific and are not extrapolated to therapeutic use.

03

Study references

Each profile cites a minimum of two peer-reviewed sources, with model type and reported sample size where the source provides it. Findings are model-specific and must not be extrapolated to therapeutic use.

LL-37: Cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide with pleiotropic activity

2016

Fabisiak A et al. · Pharmacological Reports

Model
Narrative review of LL-37 biology and therapeutic potential
Sample
N/A (review)

Reviewed LL-37 as a broad-spectrum antibiotic and immunomodulator with chemotactic activity across immunological, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin systems.

PMID 27117377 DOI 10.1016/j.pharep.2016.03.015

Therapeutic Potential of Cathelicidin Peptide LL-37, an Antimicrobial Agent, in a Murine Sepsis Model

2020

Nagaoka I et al. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Model
In vivo — murine cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) sepsis model
Sample
Not reported in abstract

LL-37 was associated with protection in the murine sepsis model through suppression of macrophage pyroptosis, enhancement of neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and antimicrobial microvesicle release.

PMID 32825174 DOI 10.3390/ijms21175973

Antimicrobial Peptide, LL-37, And Its Potential As An Anti-HIV Agent

2021

Vera-Cruz A et al. · Clinical and Investigative Medicine

Model
Narrative review of LL-37 antimicrobial activity with focus on HIV inhibition
Sample
N/A (review)

Reviewed LL-37's broad antimicrobial properties and inhibition of HIV infection in primary T cells, framing its potential as a multipurpose prevention technology.

PMID 34600462 DOI 10.25011/cim.v44i3.36657

Evidence caveats

  • Clinical use of synthetic LL-37 is investigational and not FDA-approved for any indication at the time of writing.
  • Most efficacy data are from in vitro and rodent studies; human pharmacology evidence is limited to small early-phase studies in specific dermatology and infection contexts.

04

Storage and handling

Store under controlled laboratory conditions with batch and preparation details recorded.

  • Synthetic LL-37 is hygroscopic — store under controlled humidity per supplier guidance.
  • Maintain batch and supplier documentation for antimicrobial research.
  • Research-only inventory; not for human use.