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Pick up to three peptides to see how their mechanisms, studied uses and evidence levels differ. Rows where the entries disagree are marked with a blue edge.
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Comparison
LL-37 (cathelicidin)
Immune
Evidence level
Limited evidence
Approval status
Not approved
Mechanism of action
- 1.Forms pores in bacterial membranes, killing a broad range of organisms — a different strategy from antibiotics.
- 2.Acts as a chemotactic signal, drawing immune cells to a site of injury.
- 3.Binds bacterial lipopolysaccharide and dampens the inflammatory response it triggers.
- 4.Stimulates blood-vessel growth and cell migration in wound-healing models.
- 5.Can be pro-inflammatory at higher concentrations, which complicates its use as a therapy.
Studied for
- Wound healing and skin infection models
- Chronic leg ulcer research
- Innate immune response studies
- Rosacea and inflammatory skin conditions (research)
Reported effects
- Antimicrobial killing of bacteria in laboratory studies
- Wound-healing acceleration in animal models
- Reduced inflammation in some models, increased in others
- Reported skin irritation with topical use
Side effects
- Injection-site or application-site irritation
- Possible worsening of inflammation in some conditions
- Cytotoxicity at high concentrations in laboratory studies
- Long-term safety unknown
Research protocol
Research context only — no approved protocol exists. Laboratory work uses microgram-per-millilitre concentrations in cell culture, and animal studies use local or systemic doses. Human trial experience is limited to topical and small infusion studies without a standardised dose; any injected regimen sold online is untested territory.
Research context only
Evidence justification
Its antimicrobial and immune roles are well characterised in the laboratory, but human trials of LL-37 as a therapy are few and small, and no product is approved.