LL-37
Also known as Human cathelicidin, hCAP-18 (precursor), CAMP, Ropocamptide
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a 37-residue fragment cleaved from the precursor hCAP-18. It is studied for antimicrobial activity, immune signaling, angiogenesis, wound healing and its role in inflammatory skin disease.
Clinical-stage research
Size
1 option- Catalog no.
- LL37-5
- Specification
- 5mg*10vials
- Per kit
- 10 vials
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Buyers must be 21 or older.
Overview
LL-37 takes its name from its length of 37 amino acids, beginning with two leucines. It is released from the cathelicidin precursor hCAP-18, which is stored in neutrophil granules and produced by epithelial cells, and expression of its gene, CAMP, is induced by vitamin D signaling. Beyond disrupting bacterial membranes, LL-37 influences immune cells, endothelial cells and keratinocytes. Research spans infection, wound repair and autoimmunity, where it has been implicated in psoriasis. Two randomized trials, developed under the name ropocamptide, have examined it in hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers. It is not an approved drug.
Class: Human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide
Mechanism of action
How the compound acts, as described in the literature.
A cationic, amphipathic helical peptide that binds and disrupts negatively charged microbial membranes and neutralizes bacterial lipopolysaccharide.
Stimulates endothelial cell proliferation and vessel-like structure formation through formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1, now FPR2); mice lacking the homologous peptide CRAMP showed reduced wound neovascularization.
Binds self-DNA into condensed complexes that enter plasmacytoid dendritic cells and trigger TLR9-driven type I interferon production, a mechanism proposed to contribute to psoriasis.
Acts as a chemoattractant and immune modulator for neutrophils, monocytes and T cells, and promotes keratinocyte migration in wound models.
Published research
Selected studies, each linked to its PubMed record. Summaries describe what the studies reported.
2007
In vitro (human cells)
PMID 17873860Plasmacytoid dendritic cells sense self-DNA coupled with antimicrobial peptide.
Lande R, et al. · Nature
LL-37 bound self-DNA into aggregated structures retained in early endosomes of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, triggering TLR9 and type I interferon production; the authors identified this as a pathway that may drive autoimmunity in psoriasis.
2014
First-in-human RCT
PMID 25041740Treatment with LL-37 is safe and effective in enhancing healing of hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Grönberg A, et al. · Wound Repair Regen
In 34 patients with hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers, healing rates exceeded placebo in the two lower-concentration groups (significant for the lowest only); the highest concentration showed no difference, and no safety concerns were identified.
2021
Phase 2b RCT
PMID 34687253Evaluation of LL-37 in healing of hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers: A multicentric prospective randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Mahlapuu M, et al. · Wound Repair Regen
In 148 patients with hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers, neither LL-37 concentration improved healing versus placebo in the full population; a post hoc analysis suggested improvement in patients with large wounds. The peptide was well tolerated.
Evidence & safety
What the research does not show, and the adverse events and regulatory status it reports.
The larger phase 2b trial (148 patients) did not meet its primary healing endpoint, and the positive signal in large wounds came from a post hoc analysis; LL-37 was well tolerated in both venous ulcer trials. Research also implicates LL-37 in inflammatory skin disease, including psoriasis and rosacea. It remains investigational and is not approved.
Specifications
All sizes, exactly as catalogued.
| Catalog no. | Product | Specification | Vials per kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| LL37-5 | LL-37 | 5mg*10vials | 10 |
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Research summaries are provided for educational purposes and do not describe this product’s use.