LL-37
Synthetic peptide studied in animal and cell models for broad-spectrum antimicrobial defense and wound healing promotion
Last updated: March 1, 2026
- Compound
- LL-37
- Class
- Recovery peptide
- Summary
- Synthetic peptide studied in animal and cell models for broad-spectrum antimicrobial defense, wound healing promotion, anti-biofilm activity.
- Mechanism
- Angiogenesis & Immune Modulation
- Research Status
- Preclinical
- Routes Studied
- Subcutaneous injection
- Evidence Level
- Preclinical-promising · Clinically unproven
What Should You Know About LL-37?
- What is LL-37?
- LL-37 is a synthetic peptide studied in animal and cell models for broad-spectrum antimicrobial defense and wound healing promotion.
- Is LL-37 clinically proven?
- No. Human evidence remains limited and does not establish LL-37 as clinically proven.
- What has LL-37 been studied for?
- LL-37 has been studied in preclinical models of broad-spectrum antimicrobial defense, wound healing promotion, anti-biofilm activity. These findings have not been confirmed in large-scale human trials.
- Is LL-37 approved?
- No. LL-37 is not an approved drug and remains a research compound.
What Is LL-37?
LL-37 is the sole human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a 37-amino acid cationic peptide derived from the C-terminal cleavage of the 18 kDa precursor protein hCAP18 (human cationic antimicrobial protein 18). The peptide derives its name from its two N-terminal leucine (L) residues and its 37-amino acid length. LL-37 is produced by a wide range of cell types including neutrophils, macrophages, epithelial cells, keratinocytes, and mast cells, and is encoded by...
Evidence Summary
LL-37 has extensive preclinical evidence (300+ PubMed citations) but no human clinical trial data. Most claims exceed current evidence.
Evidence Breakdown
| Domain | Evidence Level |
|---|---|
| Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Defense | Animal studies |
| Wound Healing Promotion | Animal studies |
| Anti-Biofilm Activity | Animal studies |
| Immunomodulatory Bridge Function | Animal studies |
| Human clinical evidence | Limited |
| Safety data | Insufficient |
Editorial Position
LL-37 is best understood as a preclinical research compound with promising biological signals but limited human validation. Many online claims exceed the strength of available human evidence, and safety data remains incomplete. Any consideration of this compound should involve careful evaluation of individual context and medical guidance.
Regulatory Status Snapshot
- Not approved as a therapeutic drug by major regulators
- Safety profile not established in large human populations
Need help interpreting this evidence for your situation?
Talk to a SpecialistA deep research review for LL-37 is not yet available. This compound profile is based on published peer-reviewed references listed below.
Browse all research reviewsWhat Has LL-37 Been Studied For?
Research areas where LL-37 has been investigated in published studies
-
Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Defense LL-37 has been studied in animal models of broad-spectrum antimicrobial defense. These findings have not been confirmed in controlled human trials.
-
Wound Healing Promotion LL-37 has been studied in animal models of wound healing promotion. These findings have not been confirmed in controlled human trials.
-
Anti-Biofilm Activity LL-37 has been studied in animal models of anti-biofilm activity. These findings have not been confirmed in controlled human trials.
-
Immunomodulatory Bridge Function LL-37 has been studied in animal models of immunomodulatory bridge function. These findings have not been confirmed in controlled human trials.
How Does LL-37 Work?
These mechanisms have been observed in preclinical models. They are plausible but have not been linked to proven clinical outcomes in humans.
- 01 Amphipathic Alpha-Helix Formation
- 02 Membrane Disruption & Antimicrobial Activity
- 03 FPR2 Receptor Activation
- 04 EGFR Transactivation & Cell Migration
Not sure if LL-37 is right for you?
A specialist can review the evidence, evaluate your medical context, and help you make an informed decision about LL-37.
Community Reports (Anecdotal)
Experiences shared here are self-reported and do not represent clinical evidence.
Rate LL-37
How Is LL-37 Administered?
LL-37 is available via Subcutaneous injection. Appropriate use and protocol should be determined by a qualified specialist.
What Are the Specifications of LL-37?
What Conditions Has LL-37 Been Linked To?
Have Questions About LL-37?
LL-37 uses multiple complementary mechanisms to eliminate microorganisms. Its amphipathic alpha-helical structure enables it to insert into negatively charged microbial membranes, forming pores and disrupting membrane integrity.
LL-37's membrane-disrupting mechanism of action differs fundamentally from conventional antibiotics, and its multi-target approach makes resistance development inherently difficult. Research has also demonstrated LL-37's ability to disrupt bacterial biofilms, which are a major contributor to antibiotic treatment failure.
Published studies on LL-37 can be found on PubMed and other peer-reviewed databases. Our references section below lists key citations.
Ready to discuss LL-37 with a specialist?
Get evidence-based guidance tailored to your health goals and medical context.
Book a Consultation Free initial consultation. No obligation.Reviewed by the Peptide Science Thailand Editorial Team.
Last reviewed: March 1, 2026