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LL-37Solid preclinical evidence

Cathelicidin peptide

The sole human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, researched for antimicrobial, immune-modulating and wound-healing roles in innate immunity.

📋 Regulatory status

Research use only — no approved LL-37 drug product. It is an endogenous human peptide; exogenous administration is investigational.

Also known as: Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, CAMP gene product, hCAP-18 fragment

⚙️ How it works

Amphipathic peptide that directly disrupts microbial membranes and neutralises LPS endotoxin. Also immunomodulatory: chemoattracts immune cells via FPR2, modulates Toll-like-receptor responses, and promotes angiogenesis and re-epithelialisation in wounds.

🔬 What the research found

LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin, produced by neutrophils and epithelial cells, with roles in microbial killing, immune-cell recruitment, angiogenesis and wound healing. Most evidence is in vitro or in animals. Small clinical work exists — a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an LL-37 cream in mildly infected diabetic ulcers — but the human evidence base is limited. Importantly, cancer data are genuinely mixed: LL-37 is overexpressed in some tumours and can promote progression (ovarian, lung) while showing anti-tumour effects in others. It is a double-edged, context-dependent molecule.

We report both positive and negative trial results. For exact study protocols, read the sources — we cite them rather than repackage them.

🎯 What it's studied to help

Bars reflect the strength & volume of research evidence for each use — not a guarantee of results.

Core innate-immune effector: kills microbes, neutralises LPS and recruits immune cells.
Skin42/100
Promotes keratinocyte migration and wound re-epithelialisation (excess is linked to rosacea/psoriasis).
Modulates TLR signalling with context-dependent pro- or anti-inflammatory effects.

⚠️ Side effects reported in studies

Human safety of administered LL-37 is poorly characterised. Recognised concerns include cytotoxicity and haemolysis at higher concentrations, pro-inflammatory potential, and possible tumour-promoting activity in certain cancers. It is also implicated in psoriasis and rosacea.

🔗 Often researched alongside

KPV — another host-defence and anti-inflammatory peptide. GHK-Cu — in wound-healing contexts, on the rationale of antimicrobial plus tissue-repair support. No validated human combination regimens exist.

Mechanistic context only — we don't publish combinations, amounts or protocols.

⚖️ How it compares

Unlike engineered lab peptides such as BPC-157, LL-37 is a natural human immune peptide. Its therapeutic challenge is the opposite problem: its potent, context-dependent activity can be harmful as easily as beneficial.

❓ Frequently asked

Does LL-37 fight cancer?

Not reliably. A key misconception — its effect is context-dependent, promoting some tumours while inhibiting others.

Is it a safe 'natural antibiotic'?

Being endogenous does not make exogenous administration safe. It can be cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory.

Is there an approved LL-37 medicine?

No. Human use remains investigational with only small trials.

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⚠️ Educational research information only — not medical advice. Many peptides are sold strictly for laboratory research and are not approved treatments. The evidence scores reflect research interest and strength, not efficacy or safety for any individual. Always consult a qualified professional.

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