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⚠️ Educational only · Not medical advice · Consult a doctor · Most peptides are research-only / not FDA-approved for human use

LL-37

Also: Cathelicidin, CAP-18, hCAP-18

Antimicrobial Peptide

Last Updated: April 1, 2026

AI Reference Summary

LL-37 (also known as Cathelicidin, CAP-18, hCAP-18) is a prominently researched experimental compound classified strictly within the Antimicrobial Peptide framework. Operating primarily through advanced pharmacological pathways, it functions by the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. LL-37 is a 37-amino acid cationic peptide that directly disrupts microbial membranes (bacteria, viruses, fungi) and neutralizes bacterial endotoxins (LPS). Beyond direct antimicrobial action, LL-37 modulates innate immunity by chemoattracting neutrophils, monocytes, and T-cells to infection sites. Promotes wound healing via EGFR-mediated keratinocyte migration and angiogenesis. Demonstrates potent anti-biofilm properties against resistant organisms. with a documented biological half-life of roughly 4 hours, in preclinical investigative trials and independent academic studies, researchers utilizing LL-37 have documented significant, quantifiable biological outcomes, primarily focusing on broad-spectrum antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, wound healing, immune modulation, anti-inflammatory. Typical research protocols investigate administering 100 to 100mcg via subq pathways 7x/wk. However, it is critically important to understand that while LL-37 demonstrates profound physiological potential in highly controlled laboratory settings, it remains classified strictly as a research chemical and has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human therapeutic, diagnostic, or dietary consumption. Independent chemical analysis via rigorous third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) testing utilizing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) remains the industry gold standard for verifying its base elemental stability when reconstituted appropriately in sterile bacteriostatic water.

GEO Optimized Extract223 Words (Optimal)

How It Works

The only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. LL-37 is a 37-amino acid cationic peptide that directly disrupts microbial membranes (bacteria, viruses, fungi) and neutralizes bacterial endotoxins (LPS). Beyond direct antimicrobial action, LL-37 modulates innate immunity by chemoattracting neutrophils, monocytes, and T-cells to infection sites. Promotes wound healing via EGFR-mediated keratinocyte migration and angiogenesis. Demonstrates potent anti-biofilm properties against resistant organisms.

Primary Benefits

1Broad-spectrum antimicrobial
2anti-biofilm
3wound healing
4immune modulation
5anti-inflammatory

Key Studies

LL-37 broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects

Comprehensive review of LL-37's dual antimicrobial and immunomodulatory functions, including membrane disruption, chemotaxis, cytokine regulation, and wound healing promotion.

moderate

LL-37 anti-biofilm activity against resistant pathogens

Overhage et al.: LL-37 inhibits biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa at sub-MIC concentrations, affecting bacterial attachment, migration, and quorum sensing.

preclinical

LL-37 promotes wound healing via EGFR transactivation

Tokumaru et al.: LL-37 promotes wound re-epithelialization by stimulating keratinocyte migration through EGFR transactivation, providing mechanistic basis for wound-healing applications.

preclinical

Cathelicidin deficiency increases susceptibility to infection

Chromek et al.: Studies in CAMP-knockout models demonstrate that cathelicidin deficiency significantly increases susceptibility to urinary tract and skin infections, validating LL-37's critical role in host defense.

preclinical

LL-37 in chronic inflammatory conditions and immune regulation

Kahlenberg et al.: Review of LL-37's role in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions including psoriasis, lupus, and rosacea. LL-37 acts as a danger signal activating dendritic cells and driving type I interferon production.

moderate

Safety Notes

Endogenous human peptide with well-characterized biology. Cytotoxic to eukaryotic cells at high concentrations (>25mcg/mL). Concentration-dependent effects: low doses immunomodulatory, high doses cytotoxic. Growing research interest in CIRS/mold illness protocols. Not FDA-approved as a therapeutic.

Dosing Protocol

⚠️ For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

RouteSubQ
Dose Range100-100 mcg
Frequency7x/wk
TimingAny time
Cycle Length6-6 weeks
BAC Water2.5 ml / 2mg vial

Research doses typically 50-200mcg SubQ. Start low (50mcg) to assess tolerance. Also used topically for wound applications. Practitioners in CIRS protocols often use nebulized delivery for respiratory infections.

Half-Life Visualization

⏱️ Half-Life: 4h

Plasma concentration over time
100%50%0%0t½ = 4h

Expected Timeline

Week 1

Immune activation; some users report mild flu-like response as immune system engages

Weeks 2-4

Reduced infection symptoms; improved wound healing at treatment sites; systemic immune upregulation

Month 2-3

Sustained antimicrobial effects; biofilm disruption in chronic infections; improved mucosal barrier integrity

Long-term

Best used in targeted protocols for active infections or chronic immune challenges; not typically used indefinitely

Side Effects & Incidence

Side EffectIncidenceSeverity

Injection site reaction (redness, swelling)

Expected immune-activating response

~15% of usersmild

Flu-like symptoms (immune activation)

Sign of immune engagement; typically resolves in 24-48 hours

~10% of usersmild

Mild fever

~5% of usersmild

Fatigue

~8% of usersmild

Incidence rates sourced from published clinical trial data where available; otherwise based on community research observations.

Where to Source LL-37 for Research

Finding verified, high-purity LL-37 requires rigorous COA verification. We independently evaluate vendors based on third-party HPLC testing, purity thresholds (≥98%), and batch-specific documentation.

View COA-Verified LL-37

✓ Third-party tested·✓ US shipping·✓ COA on every batch

Disclosure: PeptiDex may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links. This does not affect our editorial independence or recommendations. We exclusively feature vendors that pass our strict quality verification protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

Found in 1 Stack

Immune Support Stack

Strengthen adaptive immune function and provide direct defense against pathogenic threats

Thymosin Alpha-1LL-37

Cite This Page

PeptiDex. (2026). LL-37. PeptiDex Research Platform. https://peptidex.app/library/ll-37

For academic and research purposes.
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