Cathelicidin
Antimicrobial peptide family
Cathelicidins are a family of small antimicrobial peptides found across vertebrates. The single human cathelicidin is LL-37, a 37-residue peptide cleaved from the precursor hCAP18. Cathelicidins are part of the innate immune defense and exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity.
Beyond direct antimicrobial action, cathelicidins modulate immune responses: chemotaxis of neutrophils and monocytes, regulation of cytokine production, and contribution to wound healing. LL-37 in particular has been studied for both its antimicrobial spectrum and its immunomodulatory effects.
Truncated and modified LL-37 variants (KR-12, KS-30) are engineered to retain antimicrobial activity while reducing the host-cell toxicity that limits use of the full-length molecule.
Used in 3 research peptides
- OtherLL-37Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide investigated for chronic infection and biofilm clearance.
- OtherIndolicidinTryptophan-rich bovine cathelicidin; broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide.
- RecoveryLL-37 Truncated Variants (KR-12 / KS-30)Shorter active fragments of LL-37 (KR-12, KS-30) with retained antimicrobial activity but lower toxicity.
See also
Educational use only
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