LL-37

Biochemical and biophysical research communications · 2024

Researchers found that vitamin D significantly boosts the production of a protein called hCAP18/LL-37, which has antimicrobial properties but can also harm bone cells. This study highlights the complex role of vitamin D in regulating this protein and its potential effects on bone health.

• Vitamin D increases the levels of hCAP18/LL-37 protein in human immune cells by 3-4 times.
• The production of hCAP18/LL-37 is influenced by the proteasome, which regulates its breakdown.
• At high concentrations, LL-37 can reduce the viability of bone cells, indicating a potential risk for bone health.

Biomedicines · 2022

Researchers reviewed the role of a peptide called LL-37 in maintaining oral health and its involvement in various oral diseases. They found that LL-37 plays a crucial role in balancing the oral microbiota and may indicate inflammation severity and treatment outcomes.

• LL-37 helps maintain the balance of healthy bacteria in the mouth.
• The peptide is linked to the development of oral infections and diseases.
• LL-37 may serve as a marker for assessing inflammation and treatment responses.

Cell death discovery · 2022

Researchers studied the role of cathelicidin hCAP18/LL-37 in liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). They found that higher levels of hCAP18/LL-37 increased the growth of cancer cells and tumors, suggesting it may promote cancer progression rather than suppress it.

• Researchers observed that overexpression of hCAP18/LL-37 significantly increased the proliferation of liver cancer cells.
• The study found that hCAP18/LL-37 promoted tumor growth in animal models of liver cancer.
• Analysis revealed that hCAP18/LL-37 activated specific signaling pathways associated with cancer growth.

Oncology reports · 2020

Researchers studied the role of a specific antimicrobial peptide, LL-37, in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC), a common and aggressive cancer. They found that while LL-37 can reduce the growth of cancer cells at high doses, it also promotes their movement and invasion, indicating a complex role in cancer progression.

• Researchers found that high doses of LL-37 mostly reduced the growth of OTSCC cells but also stimulated their migration and invasion.
• The study observed that LL-37 expression was higher in normal and mildly dysplastic tissues compared to more severe dysplasia and OTSCC.
• Researchers noted that LL-37 expression did not correlate with the clinical features or outcomes of OTSCC patients.

European journal of oral sciences · 2020

Researchers studied the presence of an antimicrobial peptide called LL-37 and its precursor hCAP18 in human saliva. They found that both forms are present in saliva and are linked to desquamated epithelial cells, suggesting these cells play a role in the body's natural defense against oral bacteria.

• Researchers found that both hCAP18 and LL-37 are present in human saliva, in both cell-containing and cell-free fractions.
• The study observed that desquamated epithelial cells in saliva express hCAP18/LL-37, indicating their potential role in the immune system.
• Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of hCAP18 and a smaller amount of LL-37 in the cells.

Pharmacological reports : PR · 2016

Researchers observed that LL-37, a unique antimicrobial peptide found in humans, has strong antibiotic properties and plays important roles in the immune system. This study reviewed its potential benefits in various areas, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin health. The findings suggest that LL-37 could be a promising candidate for future drug development.

• LL-37 is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with significant immune-modulating effects.
• The study highlighted LL-37's potential therapeutic applications in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin systems.
• Researchers concluded that further investigation into LL-37 could lead to valuable clinical uses.

Journal of reproductive immunology · 2015

Researchers found that the human cathelicidin antimicrobial protein 18 (hCAP18/LL-37) increases in the tissues surrounding the fetus and the uterus during labor. This study observed that LL-37 can trigger the release of inflammatory substances that may play a role in labor processes.

• hCAP18 protein levels were significantly higher in fetal membranes and the uterus during labor compared to non-laboring tissues.
• LL-37 treatment led to increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in both fetal membranes and the uterus.
• The study identified that LL-37 activates specific pathways that enhance the inflammatory response associated with labor.

BioFactors (Oxford, England) · 2015

Researchers reviewed the unique features of human cathelicidin LL-37, an antimicrobial peptide that plays a crucial role in defending against infections and may aid in wound healing. They observed that LL-37 can kill bacteria and fungi, and has potential applications in cancer treatment due to its dual role in promoting and inhibiting tumor growth.

• Researchers found that LL-37 can effectively kill various bacteria and fungi, making it a key player in our immune defense.
• They observed that LL-37 has the potential to support wound healing and may be developed into new therapies for infected wounds.
• The study noted that LL-37 has a complex role in cancer, being capable of both killing cancer cells and potentially contributing to tumor growth.

BMC research notes · 2012

Researchers observed a positive link between vitamin D levels and a protein called hCAP18/LL-37, which may help protect against infections. The study involved healthy middle-aged adults and found that those with lower vitamin D levels had higher concentrations of hCAP18. This suggests that vitamin D status could influence the levels of this protective protein in the body.

• Researchers found a strong correlation between vitamin D levels and hCAP18 concentrations in participants with lower vitamin D levels (≤ 32 ng/ml).
• In individuals with higher vitamin D levels (> 32 ng/ml), no significant correlation with hCAP18 was observed.
• The study adds to previous research indicating that vitamin D may play a role in regulating the body's levels of hCAP18/LL-37.

Peptides · 2010

Researchers reviewed the role of a human antimicrobial peptide called LL-37, which is produced during mycobacterial infections. They found that LL-37 not only helps kill bacteria but also plays important roles in immune response and healing processes in the body.

• Researchers observed that LL-37 is effective in killing mycobacteria and activating immune responses.
• The study highlighted LL-37's multifunctional roles, including promoting wound healing and inflammation.
• Current research is exploring the potential therapeutic applications of LL-37 in treating mycobacterial infections.