How This Works
LL-37 exerts both direct and indirect antimicrobial effects. Its amphipathic, cationic α-helical structure (net +6 charge) allows it to preferentially bind and disrupt negatively charged microbial membranes[2]. Beyond direct killing, LL-37 modulates host immunity: in murine sepsis models, it induced neutrophils to release microvesicles rich in antimicrobial proteins, lowering bacterial burden and improving survival[3]. LL-37 can also bind bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and block its interaction with CD14/TLR4, reducing endotoxin-triggered TNF release and neutrophil apoptosis[2]. These combined mechanisms help explain its potential in infection control and tissue-repair contexts.
References
DiVA Portal / Wound Repair and Regeneration
— Evaluation of LL-37 in healing of hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers: multicentric RCT
View Source
Journal of Immunology (PMC)
— Little peptide, big effects: the role of LL-37 in inflammation and autoimmune disease
Innate Immunity (PMC)
— Antimicrobial peptide LL-37 ameliorates a murine sepsis model via microvesicle release from neutrophils
Wound Repair and Regeneration (PMC)
— Evaluation of LL-37 in healing of hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers: a multicentric prospective RCT
Archives of Dermatological Research (PMC)
— Efficacy of LL-37 cream in enhancing healing of diabetic foot ulcer: a randomized double-blind controlled trial
Bachem Knowledge Center
— Handling and storage guidelines for peptides
CDC One & Only Campaign
— One needle, one syringe, only one time (measurement safety)
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center
— How to give a measurement (site selection, rotation)
PubMed / Journal of Steroid Biochemistry
— Vitamin D and the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin (LL-37)
MedlinePlus (NIH)
— (SQ) measurements: research sample instructions
CDC
— Vaccine preparation: measurement (angle/site; no aspiration)
NCBI Bookshelf
— Best practices for measurement (asepsis, preparation, and preparation)
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (PMC)
— drug measurement review: pharmacologic considerations