Antimikrobielles Peptid

LL-37

Cathelicidin

LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin — a 37-amino-acid peptide produced by proteolytic cleavage from the precursor protein hCAP-18. It acts directly antimicrobially by destabilising bacterial cell membranes (cationic charge + amphipathic helical structure). In addition, LL-37 has immunomodulatory functions: it activates Toll-like receptors (TLR), promotes the chemotaxis of immune cells, stimulates angiogenesis via VEGFR-2 and accelerates wound healing. LL-37 is produced mainly in neutrophils, mast cells and epithelial cells — especially after tissue injury or infection.