LL-37 Mechanism of Action
How LL-37 works: receptor targets, signalling pathways, and molecular profile.
Broad-Spectrum Membrane Disruption
LL-37 is a cationic, amphipathic, alpha-helical peptide that inserts into and disrupts bacterial cell membranes, giving it broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. As part of the human cathelicidin family, it's produced by immune cells (neutrophils, macrophages) and epithelial cells as a first-line defense at sites of infection or injury.
Beyond Antimicrobial Activity
Beyond directly killing pathogens, LL-37 is studied for roles in wound healing (promoting keratinocyte migration and angiogenesis) and broader immunomodulation, recruiting and activating other immune cells, and influencing inflammatory signaling at injury or infection sites.