Educational reference only — not medical advice. Nothing is sold on this site. Research compounds are not for human use.
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PreclinicalHealing / anti-inflammatory

LL-37 (Cathelicidin)

The human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, studied for its roles in host defense, wound infection control, and inflammatory skin conditions. It is an endogenous immune molecule rather than a designed therapeutic.

CompoundLL-37 (Cathelicidin)
CategoryEndogenous antimicrobial peptide
ClassHealing and Anti-Inflammatory Peptides
Evidence tierPreclinical
WADA statusNot individually listed; verify current status if subject to testing
Sold on this siteNo — this is a reference database

Overview

This entry covers LL-37 (Cathelicidin), a endogenous antimicrobial peptide, graded "Preclinical" in this catalog's evidence system. The evidence base for this compound is dominated by animal and cell-culture studies. Mechanism may be plausible; human benefit and safety are unestablished.

The human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, studied for its roles in host defense, wound infection control, and inflammatory skin conditions. It is an endogenous immune molecule rather than a designed therapeutic.

Mechanism of Action

LL-37 disrupts microbial membranes and additionally binds to nucleic acids, modulating innate immune recognition. In psoriasis and rosacea, excessive LL-37 activity is implicated in disease, illustrating that more antimicrobial peptide is not always better.

Research and Evidence

Research spans in vitro antimicrobial work, wound-healing models, and studies of LL-37 dysregulation in inflammatory dermatoses. Direct therapeutic use in humans remains investigational.

Evidence in context: the Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Peptides class page collects the shared evidence themes and study-reading guidance for this category.

Safety and Side Effects

As an endogenous immune mediator with pleiotropic effects, systemic administration carries real uncertainty; no approved LL-37 drug product exists.

Educational notice: this entry describes published research and, where they exist, regulator labels. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation for use. Research-grade compounds have no verified human-safety data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the evidence tier of LL-37 (Cathelicidin)?

LL-37 (Cathelicidin) is graded "Preclinical" on this site. The evidence base for this compound is dominated by animal and cell-culture studies. Mechanism may be plausible; human benefit and safety are unestablished.

Is LL-37 (Cathelicidin) an approved medicine?

No. Preclinical means the compound has not reached universal regulatory approval; the tier description above explains exactly what level of evidence exists.

Where can I read the primary studies for LL-37 (Cathelicidin)?

The references section at the end of this entry links the key primary sources — regulator labels, trial registrations, and peer-reviewed papers. Our "How to Read a Peptide Study" guide explains how to evaluate them.

References

  1. ClinicalTrials.gov — search for cathelicidin LL-37 studies. [source]
EM
Dr. Elena Marsh, PhDMolecular Pharmacology · Lead Editor

Written and maintained by the editorial team. Medically reviewed by Dr. James Okafor, MD (Internal Medicine).

Evidence tier: Preclinical · Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Sources cited below.

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