LL-37
The only human cathelicidin, a natural germ-killing peptide. Tested on the skin for hard-to-heal leg ulcers with mixed results.
- Evidence
- Limited human research
- Half-life
- Not known
- Sources
- 2 cited
Is LL-37 FDA-approved?
Not approved by the FDA. Products sold online as "research chemicals" aren't checked for purity, sterility or dose.
Overview
LL-37 is made by white blood cells and skin cells. It kills bacteria and fungi and helps steer immune responses. In a small first trial, LL-37 applied to venous leg ulcers sped healing at lower doses; a larger follow-up trial found no clear benefit overall. Too much LL-37 is linked to inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea.
How it works
It punches holes in microbial membranes and signals immune cells, which can calm or drive inflammation depending on the setting.
How long does LL-37 stay in the body?
Not established for injected LL-37.
What it's studied for
- Chronic wound healing
- Infections and biofilms
- Rosacea and psoriasis
Related: KPV, VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide), Thymosin Alpha-1, Thymalin.
Sources
The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.
- Treatment with LL-37 is safe and effective in enhancing healing of hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers. Wound Repair Regen, 2014 PubMed
- Evaluation of LL-37 in healing of hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers: a multicentric randomized trial. Wound Repair Regen, 2021 PubMed
