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LL-37

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

Quick Stats
Studies 2230
Trials 95
Overview Studies Clinical Trials
Score 2
2005 pubmed

Pulmonary defense and the human cathelicidin hCAP-18/LL-37.

Fahy. R J RJ; Wewers. M D MD

View on DOI View Original Source

Key Findings

  • LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin peptide and plays a key role in innate immune defense, especially in the lungs.
  • Beyond killing microbes, LL-37 can neutralize bacterial toxins and influence both innate and adaptive immune responses.
  • The peptide is being investigated as a therapeutic agent for conditions such as oral mucositis, cystic fibrosis, and septic shock.

Practical Outcomes

  • For biohackers, the main takeaway is that LL-37 is a promising target for lung health, but there are no ready‑to‑use protocols or dosage guidelines yet. Supporting natural LL-37 production (e.g., through adequate vitamin D, omega‑3s, and gut health) may be the most practical interim approach, while awaiting clinical trials that define safe supplementation or delivery methods.

Summary

LL-37 is a natural antimicrobial peptide that helps protect the lungs by killing germs and calming inflammation. Scientists are looking at it as a possible treatment for things like cystic fibrosis, oral sores, and severe infections, but the paper is a review and doesn’t give specific dosing or how to use it at home.

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides form an important component of the innate immune system. The cathelicidin family, a key member of the antimicrobial peptide defenses, has been highly conserved throughout evolution. Though widespread in mammals, there is currently only one identified human example, hCAP-18/LL-37. The cathelicidins have been found to have multiple functions, in addition to their known antimicrobial and lipopolysaccharide-neutralizing effects. As a result, they profoundly affect both innate and adaptive immunity. Currently, antimicrobial peptides are being evaluated as therapeutic drugs in disease states as diverse as oral mucositis, cystic fibrosis, and septic shock. One such peptide, the cathelicidin hCAP-18/LL-37, is reviewed in detail in the context of its role in lung physiology and defense.

Study Information

Provider

pubmed

Year

2005

DOI

10.1385/ir:31:2:075