LL-37 vs KPV
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- LL-37 is the only known human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. It kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses by disrupting their membranes, while simultaneously modulating immune responses. Used for antimicrobial protection, immune priming, and wound healing.
- KPV is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from the C-terminal of alpha-MSH. It powerfully suppresses intestinal and systemic inflammation via melanocortin receptors, making it valuable for IBD, gut healing, and wound repair.
- Half-Life
- Very short (~1–2 hours) in plasma due to protease degradation; topical use bypasses systemic clearance
- Short half-life (~15–30 minutes), but effects persist longer due to receptor-level anti-inflammatory cascades
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Topical, Intranasal
- Oral, SubQ, Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100–300 mcg
- 500 mcg – 1 mg
- Frequency
- 2–3x per week
- Once to twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial (bacteria, fungi, viruses)
- Promotes wound healing and angiogenesis
- Immune system modulation — enhances innate immunity
- Reduces LPS-mediated endotoxemia
- Anti-biofilm activity against resistant organisms
- Promotes tissue regeneration and keratinocyte migration
- May protect against sepsis
- Reduces intestinal inflammation (IBD, Crohn's, colitis)
- Promotes gut mucosal healing and barrier integrity
- Accelerates wound healing topically
- Suppresses systemic inflammatory cytokines
- Antimicrobial properties against pathogens
- Reduces neuroinflammation when administered systemically
- May improve symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions
- Side Effects
- Injection site redness and irritation
- Mild inflammatory response at injection site
- Potential pro-inflammatory at high doses
- Rare: fever or flu-like symptoms at initiation
- Generally very well tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions (SC)
- Rare: transient flushing
- Stacks With
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