LL-37

A naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide made of 37 amino acids that protects skin and mucous membranes, studied in clinical trials for wound healing.

LL-37 is the only known member of the cathelicidin peptide family in humans and is produced by immune cells as well as skin and mucosal cells in response to injury or infection. It is generated by cleavage from the precursor protein hCAP18. Clinical research has focused mainly on topical application for hard-to-heal wounds, such as venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers.

Facts

• CAS number: 154947-66-7
• Molecular weight: 4493 g/mol
• Amino acids: 37
• Purity specification: ≥ 95 % (HPLC, commercial standard)
• Löslichkeit: soluble in water and DMSO

Evidence

• A randomized, placebo-controlled first-in-human trial in 34 patients with hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers described an approximately 3- to 6-fold faster healing rate under the two lower LL-37 concentrations compared with placebo. Grönberg et al. 2014, Wound Repair and Regeneration, PMID 25041740
• A randomized double-blind trial in patients with diabetic foot ulcers examined an LL-37-containing cream and described effects on bacterial colonization, inflammatory markers, and healing rate compared with placebo. Miranda et al. 2023, Archives of Dermatological Research, PMID 37480520
• A study in human skin described that endogenous production of hCAP18/LL-37 increases after injury and can be further enhanced by topical application of the vitamin D analogue calcipotriol. Heilborn et al. 2010, Experimental Dermatology, PMID 19878298

Frequently asked questions

Is LL-37 a naturally occurring human peptide?
Yes. It is the only known human cathelicidin peptide and is produced by immune, skin, and mucosal cells, especially during injury or infection.

Are there clinical studies on LL-37?
Yes, several randomized trials examined topical application on hard-to-heal wounds such as venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers, with mostly positive safety results.

Does LL-37 act only as an antimicrobial?
No, besides its direct effect on bacterial membranes, immunomodulatory effects such as immune cell recruitment and promotion of blood vessel formation are also described.

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