Peptide lexicon
LL-37
The only human cathelicidin, an amphipathic α-helical peptide of 37 amino acids with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity.
| Substance class | Peptide |
|---|---|
| Sequence | LLGDFFRKSKEKIGKEFKRIVQRIKDFLRNLVPRTES |
| CAS number | 154947-66-7 |
| Molecular formula | C₂₀₅H₃₄₀N₆₀O₅₃ |
| Molar mass | 4,493 g/mol |
| Synonyms | Cathelicidin, hCAP18(134–170) |
| PubChem | CID 16198951 |
Structure and origin
LL-37 is cleaved from the precursor protein hCAP18 and starts with two leucines (hence the name). The positively charged amphipathic helix inserts into bacterial membranes.
Research focus
Studies examine direct activity against bacteria, fungi and viruses, biofilm inhibition, chemotactic effects on immune cells and roles in wound healing and skin disease.
Status
No marketing authorisation. LL-37 is a standard tool in antimicrobial peptide research.
Literature
- Advances in the pathogenesis of rosaceaFront Immunol, 2025 · PMID 41646975 · DOI 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1705588
- Vitamin D, infections and immunityRev Endocr Metab Disord, 2022 · PMID 34322844 · DOI 10.1007/s11154-021-09679-5
- Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: the Host-Microbe InterfaceClin Microbiol Rev, 2019 · PMID 31142499 · DOI 10.1128/CMR.00138-18
- Rosacea pathogenesis and therapeutics: current treatments and a look at future targetsFront Med (Lausanne), 2023 · PMID 38193038 · DOI 10.3389/fmed.2023.1292722
- Rosacea PathogenesisDermatol Clin, 2018 · PMID 29499802 · DOI 10.1016/j.det.2017.11.001
