PeptideTreatments
Reviewed by Peptide Treatments Medical Advisory Board

LL-37: Research & Evidence

Emerging Evidence

Published research, clinical trial data, and evidence grading for LL-37 across studied indications.

Back to LL-37 overview

Research Summary

LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin with approximately 30-50 human studies and one small RCT showing improved wound healing in venous leg ulcers (N=34). As an endogenous peptide, it has theoretical advantages for biocompatibility. Clinical development has been limited, with the field not advancing significantly beyond initial 2000s-2014 studies.

Evidence by Indication (2 indications)

Indication Tier Trials Summary
Antimicrobial defense Tier C 2 Human cathelicidin with broad-spectrum activity; clinical use data emerging
Wound healing Tier D 1 Promotes re-epithelialization and angiogenesis in preclinical wound models

Graded using our evidence tier methodology.

Research Gap Score /10

Higher score = larger gap between therapeutic potential and available clinical evidence.

Citations (10 sources)

  1. 1. Cathelicidin LL-37-ApoB-100 interaction promotes LDL clearance and attenuates cholesterol accumulation in the liver. Study

    (2025), Science China. Life sciences

  2. 2. LL-37 Inhibits TMPRSS2-Mediated S2' Site Cleavage and SARS-CoV-2 Infection but Not Omicron Variants. Study

    (2025), Cell proliferation

  3. 3. Cathelicidin regulates goblet cell mucus secretion and mucus-associated proteins. Study

    (2025), Gut microbes

  4. 4. Rosacea pathogenesis and therapeutics: current treatments and a look at future targets. Study

    (2023), Frontiers in medicine

  5. 5. Antifungal properties of cathelicidin LL-37: current knowledge and future research directions. Study

    (2023), World journal of microbiology & biotechnology

  6. 6. The Antimicrobial Peptide Cathelicidin Exerts Immunomodulatory Effects via Scavenger Receptors. Study

    (2023), International journal of molecular sciences

  7. 7. LL-37 transports immunoreactive cGAMP to activate STING signaling and enhance interferon-mediated host antiviral immunity. Study

    (2022), Cell reports

  8. 8. Increased level of cathelicidin (LL-37) in vitiligo. Study

    (2020), Experimental dermatology

  9. 9. Psoriasis and Antimicrobial Peptides. Study

    (2020), International journal of molecular sciences

  10. 10. Topical LL-37 for venous leg ulcer healing. Clinical Trial

    (2014)