LL-37 is a human antimicrobial peptide (AMP) derived from the cathelicidin family, known for its ability to disrupt bacterial membranes and exhibit immunomodulatory effects. It's involved in various processes, including wound healing, immune response regulation, and potential roles in cancer and other diseases.
Key Aspects of LL-37:
Wound Healing:
LL-37 is involved in re-epithelialization, the process of skin regeneration after injury, and its deficiency is linked to chronic ulcer formation.
Potential Therapeutic Applications:
LL-37 is being explored for its potential in treating bacterial infections, viral infections (like SARS-CoV-2), COPD, and even cancer, due to its multifaceted effects.
Regulation and Expression:
LL-37 expression is upregulated by various stimuli, including vitamin D and certain fatty acids, and it's found in various tissues like skin, lungs, and neutrophils.
Structure:
LL-37 is an amphipathic peptide, meaning it has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, allowing it to interact with both water and cell membranes.
Possible Involvement in Diseases:
LL-37's role in diseases like Alzheimer's and rheumatoid arthritis is also under investigation.
Antimicrobial Activity:
LL-37 disrupts bacterial cell membranes, leading to cell death. It also interacts with bacterial DNA and RNA, potentially hindering bacterial survival.
Immunomodulation:
LL-37 can influence both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, affecting cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation.
Who should use LL-37?
Since LL-37 is primarily an antimicrobial peptide, it can be used to fight off stubborn bacterial infections that are otherwise resistant to common antibiotics.
It can also be used in chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis to fight off complications like psoriatic lesions, which may hinder everyday activities.
LL-37 has proven to be effective against cancer cells as well. Therefore it can be used in the treatment of various types of cancer, which will eventually improve the prognosis of the disease.
For patients at risk of developing cardio-pulmonary infections, LL-37 can be a useful peptide due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
LL-37 can also be used by individuals who have suffered an injury and are seeking to promote wound healing.
LL-37 Stacks
To obtain quicker benefits, stacking of LL-37 is often recommended.
LL-37 is mostly stacked with TB-500, which is a regenerative peptide that enhances tissue healing and employs anti-inflammatory properties.
It can also be paired with vitamin D, which is thought to have synergistic benefits on the working of LL-37.