A frequently cited LL-37 paper examined expression in human ocular-surface cells and antimicrobial activity in laboratory assays. It did not administer LL-37 as a treatment to patients.
What the record shows
- The study detected LL-37/hCAP18 RNA and peptide in corneal and conjunctival epithelial samples.
- Reported bacterial EC50 values ranged from 1.3 to 3.6 µg/mL across the tested strains.
- The antiviral experiments were direct inactivation assays, not a clinical infection trial.
Study record
The paper supports a role for endogenous LL-37 in ocular innate immunity and shows activity under defined assay conditions. Concentration, medium composition, serum proteins, organism strain and assay design can materially change antimicrobial-peptide results.
Results in context
The authors also tested HSV-1 and adenovirus in direct inactivation experiments and reported significant titer reductions. That is laboratory evidence, not proof of therapeutic efficacy or safe dosing in the eye.
Because LL-37 also interacts with mammalian cells and immune pathways, antimicrobial activity alone is not a complete benefit-risk assessment.
What this study cannot answer
In-vitro potency does not establish exposure, tolerability or efficacy in humans.
Endogenous peptide expression does not prove that an exogenous preparation is safe.
Sources & editorial method
The editorial workflow starts with linked peer-reviewed papers, trial registries or regulatory records; extracts the population or model, endpoints, numerical results and limitations; and separates the studied intervention from catalog material. AI-assisted drafting was used to structure the first version. Claims, figures, evidence labels and limitations were checked against the linked records in the site editorial workflow. This is not independent peer review.
3 linked records are listed in the references below. Read the editorial and AI-assistance policy.
How to interpret this article
Source-checked on 2026-08-28. Null findings and study limitations are retained. This is not independent peer review, medical advice, a customer case, or validation of a catalog lot.
Research-use boundary: Catalog materials discussed on this website are for laboratory research, development and manufacturing use only, not for human or veterinary use. This content is not medical advice and does not provide administration instructions.
Primary records and authoritative sources
- LL-37 ocular-surface expression and antimicrobial activityGordon YJ, et al. Current Eye Research. 2005. PMID 16020269.
- LL-37 analog activity, cytotoxicity and serum inhibitionIn-vitro context; PMID 15980359.
- Certain Bulk Drug Substances That May Present Significant Safety RisksU.S. FDA. Current compounding safety-information page.
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