LL-37
Human Cathelicidin | Antimicrobial & Immune Support
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a 37-amino acid cationic peptide derived from hCAP18 that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi while modulating immune responses and promoting wound healing.
Daily dose
0.5-1.6 mg/mL topical
Frequency
Daily to twice weekly
Cycle length
2-8 weeks
Storage
2-8°C
Key benefits
Direct wound healing acceleration, local antimicrobial protection, enhanced tissue regeneration
How it works
Topical application provides direct access to wound sites, promoting keratinocyte migration, angiogenesis, and antimicrobial protection without systemic exposure
Dosage protocols
Goal
Chronic Venous Ulcers
Dose
0.5 mg/mL · Twice weekly
Route
Topical gel application
Goal
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Dose
0.5-1.6 mg/mL · Daily application
Route
Topical cream
Goal
Acute Wound Healing
Dose
1.6 mg/mL · Once daily
Route
Topical gel or cream
Goal
Pressure Ulcer Treatment
Dose
0.5-1.0 mg/mL · Twice daily
Route
Hydrogel delivery system
Goal
Burn Wound Care
Dose
1.0 mg/mL · Once to twice daily
Route
Topical gel application
Research indications
wound Healing
immunity
skin Health
Administration
Interactions
Safety notes
Use only on clean, debrided wounds as directed by healthcare provider
Monitor for signs of wound infection or delayed healing
Discontinue if signs of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions develop
Use sterile technique for application to prevent contamination
Research studies
MRSA Biofilm Eradication Study (2019)
In vitro | 10-100 μM | 60 minutes | >4 log reduction in biofilm
CDC biofilm reactor study showing LL-37 achieved superior antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms compared to conventional antibiotics and silver nanoparticles.
View study →Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Study (2017)
Clinical isolates | 1-256 μg/mL MIC | Various pathogens | Broad-spectrum activity
Comprehensive antimicrobial profile study against human pathogens including antibiotic-resistant strains, demonstrating broad-spectrum activity and potential as alternative to conventional antibiotics.
View study →Venous Leg Ulcer Clinical Trial (2014)
Humans | 0.5-3.2 mg/mL topical | 4 weeks | 68% ulcer area reduction at 0.5 mg/mL
First-in-man randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 34 participants with hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers. Demonstrated significant wound healing improvement with 6-fold higher healing rate constants for optimal doses.
View study →Structural Analysis in Lipid Micelles (2008)
NMR spectroscopy | Molecular structure | Amphipathic helix characterization
High-resolution NMR study determining three-dimensional structure of LL-37 in SDS micelles, revealing curved amphipathic helix-bend-helix motif critical for antimicrobial activity.
View study →Melanoma Phase I Clinical Trial (NCT02225366)
Humans | Intratumoral injection | 8 weeks | Safety and immune stimulation
Phase I dose-escalation study evaluating intratumoral LL-37 injections in melanoma patients with cutaneous metastases, demonstrating safety and potential immune system stimulation.
View study →Diabetic Foot Ulcer Clinical Trial (NCT04098562)
Humans | LL-37 cream | 28 days | Enhanced granulation tissue formation
Randomized controlled trial evaluating LL-37 cream in diabetic foot ulcers with mild infection, showing enhanced healing rate and granulation index improvement.
View study →