LL-37
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a 37-amino acid cationic peptide derived from hCAP18 that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and…
Also known as: Human Cathelicidin, Antimicrobial & Immune Support
Overview
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a 37-amino acid cationic peptide derived from hCAP18 that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi while modulating immune responses and promoting wound healing.
Key Benefits
- Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Pressure Ulcers
Systemic immune support, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, enhanced wound healing from within
Mechanism of Action
Subcutaneous administration provides systemic distribution for immune modulation and antimicrobial support throughout the body
Pharmacokinetics
Peak plasma concentration: 3 min. Elimination half-life: 30 min. Largely cleared by: ~2.5 hrs.
Research Protocols Injectable
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immune System Support | 100 mcg daily | Once daily | Subcutaneous |
| Infection Recovery Support | 150-200 mcg daily | Once daily | Subcutaneous |
| Research Applications | 50-100 mcg | Twice daily | Subcutaneous |
| Chronic Wound Support | 100-150 mcg daily | Once daily | Subcutaneous |
Research protocols from published literature — not dosing recommendations.
Peptide Interactions
- BPC-157 — Synergistic: Enhanced wound healing and tissue repair through complementary mechanisms - LL-37 provides antimicrobial protection while BPC-157 accelerates tissue regeneration.
- TB-500 — Synergistic: Combined anti-inflammatory and healing effects with LL-37 providing antimicrobial activity and TB-500 enhancing cellular migration and angiogenesis.
- Conventional Antibiotics — Synergistic: LL-37 demonstrates synergistic effects with chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and oxacillin against multidrug-resistant bacteria, with FICI values 0.25-0.5.
- Vitamin D3 — Synergistic: Vitamin D3 acts as cofactor for VDR to induce endogenous LL-37 production, enhancing innate immune responses and antimicrobial activity.
- Lactoferrin — Compatible: Both antimicrobial peptides can be used together safely with no documented negative interactions in wound healing applications.
- Physiological Salt Solutions — Use Caution: High salt concentrations in physiological environments can reduce LL-37 antimicrobial activity. Consider dosing adjustments in high-salt conditions.
- Amino Acid Solutions — Avoid Combination: Physical incompatibility may occur with certain amino acid solutions, particularly in IV formulations. Avoid co-administration in same solution.
- Novel Synthetic AMPs — Unknown: Limited data on interactions with other synthetic antimicrobial peptides. Clinical interaction profile not established for most combinations.
Peptide Instructions Injectable
Supplies:
- LL-37 lyophilized peptide (1-5 mg vials)
- Bacteriostatic water for injection
- Sterile syringes and needles
- Alcohol swabs for injection site preparation
How to Reconstitute Injectable
- 1Allow LL-37 vial to reach room temperature before reconstitution
- 2Add appropriate volume of bacteriostatic water slowly to peptide vial
- 3Gently swirl or roll vial to dissolve - do not shake vigorously
- 4Calculate dose based on final concentration (typically 1-2 mg/mL)
- 5Use sterile technique for injection preparation
- 6Inject subcutaneously in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm areas
- 7Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation
What to Expect Injectable
Week 1-2: Initial immune system modulation, possible mild injection site reactions. Week 2-4: Enhanced antimicrobial activity, improved wound healing if applicable. Week 4-8: Sustained immune support, optimized inflammatory responses. Week 8-12: Maximum benefits for chronic applications, established immune enhancement.
Side Effects & Safety
Monitor injection sites for excessive irritation or inflammatory reactions. Start with lower doses (50-100 mcg) to assess individual tolerance. Discontinue if signs of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions develop. Use proper sterile injection technique to prevent contamination.
Monitor injection sites for excessive irritation or inflammatory reactions. Start with lower doses (50-100 mcg) to assess individual tolerance. Discontinue if signs of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions develop. Use proper sterile injection technique to prevent contamination.
Community Insights
LL-37 should be stored at Refrigerate 2-8°C after reconstitution, use within 30 days.
References
- LL-37, the master antimicrobial peptide, its multifaceted role from combating infections to cancer immunity
- Discovery of novel antibacterial agent for the infected wound treatment: all-hydrocarbon stapling optimization of LL-37
- LL-37: Structures, Antimicrobial Activity, and Influence on Amyloid-Related Diseases
- The Potential of Human Peptide LL-37 as an Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Agent
- Renovation as innovation: Repurposing human antibacterial peptide LL-37 for cancer therapy
- Antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is bactericidal against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
- MRSA Biofilm Eradication Study
- Alanine and lysine scans of the LL-37-derived peptide fragment KR-12 reveal key residues for antimicrobial activity
- LL-37-derived short antimicrobial peptide KR-12-a5 and its d-amino acid substituted analogs with cell selectivity, anti-biofilm activity, synergistic effect with conventional antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory activity
- Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Study
- Treatment with LL-37 is safe and effective in enhancing healing of hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
- Venous Leg Ulcer Clinical Trial
- Structures of human host defense cathelicidin LL-37 and its smallest antimicrobial peptide KR-12 in lipid micelles
- Structural Analysis in Lipid Micelles
- Diabetic Foot Ulcer Clinical Trial (NCT04098562)
- Melanoma Phase I Clinical Trial (NCT02225366)
Research reference only. Not medical advice.