The only human cathelicidin — a host-defence peptide with antimicrobial, wound-healing, and immunomodulatory activity.
Disrupts bacterial membranes via electrostatic interactions with anionic lipopolysaccharides, forming pores that lyse bacteria. Simultaneously modulates toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling, promotes keratinocyte migration and proliferation, stimulates angiogenesis, and recruits immune cells to wound sites.
LL-37 is constitutively expressed in neutrophils and induced in skin, gut, and lung epithelium during infection or injury. Deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infections and impaired wound healing.
Research interest spans chronic wound management, inflammatory skin conditions (acne, rosacea, psoriasis), and respiratory infections. Topical and systemic research is active.