The Critical Role of the Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37/ CRAMP in Protection of Colon Microbiota Balance, Mucosal Homeostasis, Anti-Inflammatory Responses, and Resistance to Carcinogenesis.
Zhang. Meihua M; Liang. Weiwei W; Gong. Wanghua W; Yoshimura. Teizo T; Chen. Keqiang K; Wang. Ji Ming JM
Key Findings
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Practical Outcomes
- For biohackers, the take‑away is that maintaining or enhancing LL-37 activity might improve gut barrier function and microbial balance, potentially lowering inflammation and cancer risk. While no specific dosing or supplement is provided, strategies that naturally raise LL-37 (e.g., vitamin D optimization, certain probiotics, or mild gut irritants) could be explored, keeping safety and individual response in mind.
Summary
LL-37 (in humans) and its mouse version CRAMP are natural antimicrobial peptides that do more than kill germs – they help keep the gut lining strong, balance gut bacteria, calm inflammation, and may protect against colon cancer. This review highlights how losing CRAMP in mice leads to gut problems and tumor growth, suggesting that boosting LL-37 could be a useful strategy for gut health and disease prevention.
Abstract
Mouse cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) and its homologue human cathelicidin (LL-37) play active roles in innate immune responses, angiogenesis, and wound healing. In addition, LL-37/CRAMP fends off microbes and protects against infections in the colon, where the epithelium is exposed to myriad of enteric pathogens. It is increasingly recognized that LL-37/CRAMP maintains colon mucosal barrier integrity, shapes the composition of microbiota, and protects the host from tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss the importance of LL-37/CRAMP in the homeostasis of the host, with novel findings derived from mice deficient in CRAMP that support the proposition for this natural antimicrobial peptide and an immune modulator as a drug lead for therapeutic development.
Study Information
pubmed
2019
10.1615/critrevimmunol.2019030225