Human cathelicidin antimicrobial/immune host-defense peptide (37 amino acids)
LL-37 is the body's own antimicrobial peptide, studied for killing microbes, calming or directing immune responses, and helping wounds heal.
| Class / type | Human cathelicidin antimicrobial/immune host-defense peptide (37 amino acids) |
|---|---|
| Category | Healing, Recovery & Immune |
| Status (Jul 2026) | Research use only |
As the only human cathelicidin, it disrupts bacterial, fungal, and viral membranes directly and also acts as an immune signal, modulating inflammation, recruiting immune cells, and promoting angiogenesis and tissue repair.
Researched for chronic and diabetic wound healing, skin/mucosal antimicrobial defense, and immune modulation; a phase IIb topical wound-healing trial reported improved closure of large wounds versus placebo.
Broad antimicrobial activity (including drug-resistant organisms), pro-healing and angiogenic effects, and immune-modulating potential; endogenous molecule with active human wound-healing data.
Not an approved drug; can be pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic to host cells at higher concentrations, and elevated levels are linked to rosacea and psoriasis. Injectable/systemic use is unstudied for safety, and product purity is unregulated.
Users in peptide communities report interest for skin, gut, and immune support, but firsthand experience is limited and anecdotal.
NOT FDA-approved for any indication. As of 2026 it is treated as research-use-only and is available only through licensed compounding channels.