| Unit Size | 5 mg/ vials |
| Unit Quantity | 1 Amber Vials |
| Molecular Formula | C215H350N62O71 |
| Molecular Weight | 4493.11 |
| Sequence | LLGDFFRKSKEKIGKEFKRIVQRIKDFLRNLVPRTES |
| Appearance | White Powder |
| Peptide Purity | >98.1% |
| Solubility | Soluble in water or 1% acetic acid |
LL-37 is a potent antimicrobial peptide, part of the cathelicidin family, and plays a critical role in the body’s innate immune response. It consists of 37 amino acids and is derived from the precursor protein hCAP18. Found in various tissues and cells, including epithelial cells and immune cells like neutrophils, LL-37 exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even biofilms, making it a key player in defending against infections.
One of LL-37’s primary mechanisms is its ability to disrupt the integrity of microbial membranes. Due to its amphipathic nature, LL-37 can insert into the lipid bilayer of pathogens, causing membrane destabilization and pore formation, which leads to cell lysis and death. This direct antimicrobial action is crucial for combating infections, especially in areas of the body exposed to constant microbial threats, such as the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal system.
Beyond its antimicrobial properties, LL-37 is also involved in modulating immune responses and promoting wound healing. It acts as a signaling molecule, binding to various receptors such as formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1) on immune cells, thereby influencing processes like chemotaxis, cytokine production, and the clearance of apoptotic cells. This makes LL-37 a key mediator in both immune defense and tissue repair. By recruiting immune cells to sites of infection or injury and controlling inflammatory responses, LL-37 helps orchestrate the balance between fighting pathogens and minimizing tissue damage.
In addition to its immune regulatory role, LL-37 has been shown to promote angiogenesis and the proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which are essential for wound healing. It helps in re-epithelialization by supporting the migration of these cells to the wound site, facilitating the repair of damaged tissue. These effects have led to growing interest in LL-37 as a potential therapeutic agent for chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, where impaired healing is a major clinical issue.
LL-37 also exhibits a more nuanced role in the immune system by interacting with microbial components such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), effectively neutralizing these pro-inflammatory molecules. By doing so, LL-37 can prevent excessive inflammatory responses, which is particularly important in conditions where inflammation becomes detrimental, like sepsis or chronic inflammatory diseases. Studies have also suggested that LL-37 has potential as an adjunct therapy in managing conditions like cystic fibrosis and other diseases characterized by chronic infections and inflammation.
Research into LL-37 continues to explore its applications beyond infection control, including its possible role in cancer therapy, as recent studies have indicated that LL-37 may influence tumor cell behavior. It has been observed to have both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing effects, depending on the type of cancer, making it a peptide of interest in cancer immunology.
LL-37 is a multifaceted peptide that not only serves as a first line of defense against infections but also plays a significant role in modulating immune responses, promoting tissue repair, and potentially influencing cancer biology. Its ability to balance antimicrobial action with immune regulation and tissue regeneration positions it as a promising candidate for therapeutic applications in both infectious diseases and wound healing, with ongoing research aimed at unlocking its full potential in clinical settings.