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LL-37

Cathelicidin, hCAP-18, FALL-39, CAP-18

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Studies 2230

Trials 95

Overview Studies Clinical Trials

Score 2

2021 pubmed 20 citations

IL-27 induces LL-37/CRAMP expression from intestinal epithelial cells: implications for immunotherapy of Clostridioides difficile infection.

Xu. Banglao B; Wu. Xianan X; Gong. Yi Y; Cao. Ju J

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Key Findings

IL‑27 stimulates LL‑37 production in human colon cells
Mice lacking IL‑27 receptors have lower LL‑37 (CRAMP) and worse C. difficile outcomes
Adding CRAMP restores infection clearance and reduces death in those mice
Patient data show IL‑27 and LL‑37 levels rise together during infection

Practical Outcomes

For now, there’s no direct way to use IL‑27 or LL‑37 as a supplement, but the work supports the idea that boosting natural cathelicidin (e.g., via vitamin D or gut‑supportive strategies) could aid gut immunity. More research is needed before any specific protocol can be recommended.

Summary

The study shows that the immune signal IL‑27 can boost the body’s natural antimicrobial peptide LL‑37 in gut cells, helping clear C. difficile infections in mice and linking higher IL‑27 and LL‑37 levels in infected patients. While it highlights a promising immune pathway, it doesn’t give a ready‑to‑use supplement or protocol for everyday use.

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile infection is currently the leading cause of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis worldwide. Cathelicidins, a major group of natural antimicrobial peptides, have antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities in Clostridioides difficile infection. Here, we have shown that cytokine IL-27 induced human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (LL-37) expression in primary human colonic epithelial cells. IL-27 receptor-deficient mice had impaired expression of cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP, mouse homolog for human LL-37) after Clostridioides difficile infection, and restoration of CRAMP improved Clostridium difficile clearance and reduced mortality in IL-27 receptor-deficient mice after Clostridioides difficile challenge. In clinical samples from 119 patients with Clostridioides difficile infection, elevated levels of IL-27 were positively correlated with LL-37 in the sera and stools. These findings suggest that IL-27 may be involved in host immunity against Clostridioides difficile infection via induction of LL-37/CRAMP. Therefore, IL-27-LL-37 axis may be a valuable pathway in the development of immune-based therapy.

Study Information

Provider

pubmed

Year

2021

Date

2021-01-01T00:00:00.000Z

DOI

10.1080/19490976.2021.1968258

Citations

References