Peptide Research Index
⚠️ Educational only · Not medical advice · Consult a doctor · Most peptides are research-only / not FDA-approved for human use
⚠️ Educational only · Not medical advice · Consult a doctor · Most peptides are research-only / not FDA-approved for human use
Also: Cathelicidin, CAP-18, hCAP-18
Antimicrobial PeptideLast Updated: April 1, 2026
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.
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.
Comprehensive review of LL-37's dual antimicrobial and immunomodulatory functions, including membrane disruption, chemotaxis, cytokine regulation, and wound healing promotion.
moderateOverhage et al.: LL-37 inhibits biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa at sub-MIC concentrations, affecting bacterial attachment, migration, and quorum sensing.
preclinicalTokumaru et al.: LL-37 promotes wound re-epithelialization by stimulating keratinocyte migration through EGFR transactivation, providing mechanistic basis for wound-healing applications.
preclinicalChromek 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.
preclinicalKahlenberg 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.
moderateEndogenous 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.
⚠️ For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.
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.
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 Effect | Incidence | Severity |
|---|---|---|
Injection site reaction (redness, swelling) Expected immune-activating response | ~15% of users | mild |
Flu-like symptoms (immune activation) Sign of immune engagement; typically resolves in 24-48 hours | ~10% of users | mild |
Mild fever | ~5% of users | mild |
Fatigue | ~8% of users | mild |
Incidence rates sourced from published clinical trial data where available; otherwise based on community research observations.
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
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Strengthen adaptive immune function and provide direct defense against pathogenic threats
PeptiDex. (2026). LL-37. PeptiDex Research Platform. https://peptidex.app/library/ll-37
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