PubMed
LL-37, the only human member of the cathelicidin family of antimicrobial peptides
Vandamme et al., 2012
AntimicrobialResearch OnlyB
LL-37
Cathelicidin hCAP18
LL-37 is the only cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide expressed in humans, derived from cleavage of the C-terminus of hCAP18. It demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria (including MRSA), fungi, and viruses, and also plays critical roles in wound healing, immune modulation, and anti-tumor activity. Expressed primarily in neutrophils, epithelial cells, and skin. Research only.
Observational report only — live community data. Not medical advice. Does not recommend doses, protocols, or treatments.
- Studies cited
- 7
- Research grade
- B
- Experience
- 100
- Activity
- 92
Overall check-ins
Trackers & reports
Overview
About LL-37
LL-37 is the only cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide expressed in humans, derived from cleavage of the C-terminus of hCAP18. It demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria (including MRSA), fungi, and viruses, and also plays critical roles in wound healing, immune modulation, and anti-tumor activity. Expressed primarily in neutrophils, epithelial cells, and skin. Research only.
- Category
- Antimicrobial
- Regulatory status
- Research Only
- Also known as
- Cathelicidin hCAP18
- Self-reports
- 6
Community
What 6 users report
6 community reports
Overall experience
From check-in ratings — separate from side effects logged below. Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Favorable 100% · Mixed 0% · Unfavorable overall 0%
Most reported benefits
Benefits users selected when logging a favorable or mixed check-in.
Recovery
6
Self-reported dose per injection
Median bucket: 100–200 mcg · Most common: 100–200 mcg
Reports span 100–400 mcg
100–200
4
200–400
2
Anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users — not prescribing guidance. Buckets group similar logged amounts; open-ended top buckets mean “at least” that dose.
Commonly stacked with
Research
Cited research (5)
Source
PubMed
The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 inhibits biofilm formation
Dean et al., 2011
ClinicalTrials.gov
LL-37 studies on ClinicalTrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov, 2024
PubMed
Rosacea: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Correlates
Geng et al., 2024
PubMed
LL-37 antimicrobial peptide: Molecular characterisation and its role in oral health and disease-A narrative review
Soman et al., 2026
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Frequently asked
What do PeptIQ users report about LL-37?
This page summarizes 6 anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users who track LL-37, including commonly reported effects and co-tracked peptides. These are observational patterns, not clinical outcomes.
How do side effects relate to overall experience for LL-37?
PeptIQ separates overall check-in ratings (favorable, mixed, or unfavorable) from logged side effects like nausea or fatigue. Users often report benefits and side effects in the same check-in — a high experience score does not mean zero side effects were noted.
What research is cited for LL-37?
5 sources are linked on this page, including PubMed articles, clinical trial registries, and FDA labels where applicable. Citations describe published research — not recommendations.
Is LL-37 safe to use?
This wiki does not assess safety or recommend use. LL-37 is listed as Research Only. Consult a licensed clinician for personal medical decisions.
What are the purported benefits and uses of LL-37?
Research, primarily in animal models, suggests LL-37 may have a wide range of therapeutic potentials due to its ability to promote angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), stimulate collagen synthesis, and modulate inflammatory responses.
SourceWhat is the legal status of LL-37?
LL-37 is not approved by the FDA for any human use. There is no legal basis for selling it as a drug, food, or dietary supplement in the United States. The FDA has classified LL-37 as a Category 2 bulk drug substance, which explicitly prohibits licensed compounding pharmacies from using it in compounded medications.
SourceWhat are the known or theoretical side effects and risks of LL-37?
The safety and effectiveness of LL-37 have not been thoroughly evaluated in humans through rigorous clinical trials. This lack of human data means that safe dosages, short-term side effects, and long-term health consequences are largely unknown.
SourceWhat is the current state of research on LL-37?
While there are over 200 published studies on LL-37, the vast majority are animal or in vitro (cell) studies. These preclinical studies consistently show positive results across various tissue types. However, there is a significant lack of comprehensive human clinical trial data.
Source