What LL-37 actually is

LL-37 is the C-terminal 37-residue active fragment of human cathelicidin (hCAP-18), the only cathelicidin expressed in humans. It is a host-defense peptide with direct antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, plus regulatory effects on innate immunity.¹

Beyond direct killing, LL-37 has documented activity against bacterial biofilms — a major challenge in chronic infection.² At Luxbae we prescribe LL-37 as an adjunct in patients with recurrent infections or post-Lyme/biofilm presentations under explicit informed-consent framing.

At Luxbae, LL-37 is prescribed and supervised by Dr. Ernst von Schwarz, MD, PhD after a complimentary medical consultation.

Mechanism — Direct antimicrobial plus immune modulation

Disrupts microbial membranes; antagonizes biofilm formation; modulates innate immune cytokine release.¹

What the research shows

Antimicrobial breadth. Activity against gram-positive, gram-negative, and select fungi documented.¹

Biofilm disruption. Significant activity against bacterial biofilms in vitro.²

Immune modulation. Adjusts cytokine response — anti-inflammatory in some contexts.³

Side effects: Injection-site reactions, transient flu-like symptoms during early dosing (immune activation), occasional headache.

FDA note: Not FDA-approved. Prescribed at Luxbae as an investigational adjunct under medical supervision.

LL-37 FAQ

Does it replace antibiotics?
No. Adjunct, not replacement. We coordinate with your infectious-disease care.

Lyme protocols?
Sometimes used in post-treatment Lyme syndrome under physician guidance.

References

1. Vandamme D, Landuyt B, Luyten W, Schoofs L. A comprehensive summary of LL-37. Cell Immunol. 2012;280(1):22-35.
2. Overhage J, Campisano A, Bains M, et al. Human host defense peptide LL-37 prevents bacterial biofilm formation. Infect Immun. 2008;76(9):4176-4182.
3. Mookherjee N, Hancock RE. Cathelicidins and innate immunity. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2007;64(7-8):922-933.