Antimicrobial peptide (cathelicidin)
LL-37 is the only human member of the cathelicidin family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), encoded by the CAMP gene. It plays a key role in innate immunity through direct antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and also modulates immune signaling and wound healing. LL-37 is not FDA-approved for any indication and is sold as a research-use-only chemical. Despite the absence of clinical approval, the biohacking community has shown growing interest in LL-37 for immune support, wound healing, and antimicrobial applications. Peer-reviewed literature documents its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory functions, but no approved therapeutic products containing LL-37 exist in the United States.
Track research publications and community interest. Emphasize that LL-37 is not FDA-approved and has no approved human therapeutic products. Do not publish dosing, sourcing, or treatment instructions. Separate laboratory and preclinical evidence from any community claims about immune or wound-healing benefits.
LL-37 is the sole human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, with well-characterized broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses in laboratory studies.
Dürr et al. (2006) published a foundational review in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta describing LL-37's structure, mechanism, and biological roles as the only human cathelicidin.
Kahlenberg & Kaplan (2013) reviewed LL-37's dual role in innate immunity and autoimmunity in the Journal of Immunology, noting both protective antimicrobial effects and pro-inflammatory potential in autoimmune disease.
LL-37 is not FDA-approved for any indication. No approved therapeutic products containing LL-37 are marketed in the United States. ClinicalTrials.gov lists limited interventional studies.
The biohacking community has adopted LL-37 for self-directed immune support and wound healing, despite the absence of clinical trial data supporting its safety or efficacy in these contexts.
Evidence level: Peer reviewed
Sources: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (PubMed), Journal of Immunology (PubMed)
Laboratory antimicrobial activity does not establish clinical efficacy. Do not translate in vitro findings into treatment claims without clinical trial evidence.
Evidence level: Primary regulatory
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov / U.S. National Library of Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Verify current regulatory status and any FDA compounding or safety listings on each review cycle. Update if clinical trial programs advance to approval.
Evidence level: Community discussion
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov / U.S. National Library of Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Track community interest as a public claim signal. Do not endorse or amplify self-directed use. The FDA has identified certain bulk peptide substances as potentially presenting significant safety risks in compounding.
Source records are stored in the repo and linked from each claim.
Dürr UHN, Sudheendra US, Ramamoorthy A (2006) foundational review (PMID 16459200) of LL-37 structure, mechanism, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and role as the sole human cathelicidin.
Kahlenberg JM, Kaplan MJ (2013) review (PMID 23836012) of LL-37's dual role in innate immunity and autoimmunity, describing both protective antimicrobial effects and pro-inflammatory potential in autoimmune disease.
ClinicalTrials.gov registry search for interventional studies involving LL-37/cathelicidin, showing limited clinical trial activity. LL-37 is not FDA-approved for any indication.
FDA page summarizing bulk drug substances that may present significant safety risks in compounding contexts.
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