LL-37

An antimicrobial peptide with potential applications in treating infections and modulating the immune response.

Common Name:
LL-37

Compound Name:
Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide

Chemical Formula:
C175H313N59O52

Molecular Weight:
Approximately 4493.49 g/mol

Sequence and Amino Acid Composition:

• Sequence: LLGDFFRKSKEKIGKEFKRIVQRIKDFLRNLVPRTES
• Amino Acid Profile:
  • Leucine (L):
    • Frequency: 6
    • Properties: Non-polar, aliphatic, involved in structural motifs that influence the peptide’s interaction with microbial membranes.
    • Role in the Peptide: Critical for the formation of helical structures that interact with and disrupt microbial cell membranes.
  • Phenylalanine (F):
    • Frequency: 3
    • Properties: Aromatic, hydrophobic, helps stabilize protein structures by stacking interactions.
    • Role in the Peptide: Enhances the peptide’s ability to anchor into lipid bilayers of microbial membranes.
  • Arginine (R), Lysine (K):
    • Frequency: Multiple
    • Properties: Positively charged at physiological pH, interact with negatively charged components of microbial membranes.
    • Role in the Peptide: Essential for antimicrobial activity, helping to disrupt cell membrane integrity and function.

Structure:
LL-37 is a linear peptide that forms an amphipathic alpha-helix upon interaction with microbial membranes. This structure is vital for its function as it facilitates the disruption of lipid bilayers, leading to cell lysis.

Synthesis Method:
Synthesized through solid-phase peptide synthesis, ensuring high purity and precise control over the peptide sequence.

Solubility:
Soluble in water and in dilute acid or base, facilitating its use in a variety of biological studies and potential therapeutic applications.

Stability:
Stable under physiological conditions but can be sensitive to protease degradation. Best stored in lyophilized form at -20°C for long-term stability.

Function:
LL-37 is part of the human innate immune system and serves as an antimicrobial peptide. It has broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Additionally, it plays roles in modulating inflammation, wound healing, and immune responses.

Benefits and Uses:

• Investigated for its potential as a therapeutic agent in treating infections, especially those resistant to traditional antibiotics.
• Explored in clinical studies for its role in enhancing wound healing and modulating immune responses in inflammatory diseases.
• Studied for potential use in coatings for medical devices to prevent biofilm formation and infection.

Side Effects:
Potential cytotoxicity at higher concentrations, indicating a need for careful dosing and delivery in therapeutic applications.

Regulatory Status:
Currently not approved as a standalone therapeutic by major regulatory agencies but is under active investigation in clinical trials.

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