LL-37 Protocol Guide
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. It plays a key role in innate immune defense against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is researched for antimicrobial properties, wound healing, biofilm disruption, and immune modulation in chronic infections.
Protocol Overview
- Compound
- LL-37 (Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide, residues 134–170 of hCAP-18)
- Category
- Antimicrobial / Immunomodulatory Research Peptide
- Vial Size
- 5mg (5,000mcg)
- Reconstitution
- 2mL bacteriostatic water (2.5mg/mL)
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Frequency
- Daily or every other day
- Cycle Length
- 4–8 weeks
Dosing Protocol
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative Start | 25–50 mcg | Daily | Subcutaneous | 1–2 weeks, then reassess |
| Standard Research | 100 mcg | Daily or every other day | Subcutaneous | 4–8 weeks |
| Immune Support (Higher) | 200 mcg | Daily | Subcutaneous | 4–6 weeks maximum |
Key principle: LL-37 is researched for antimicrobial, wound healing, and immune modulation applications. Start conservatively and adjust based on response. Most research protocols use 50–100 mcg/day.
Reconstitution Instructions
Using 2mL of bacteriostatic water results in a concentration of 2.5mg/mL (2,500 mcg/mL). Always use sterile techniques.
Materials Needed
- 5mg LL-37 vial (lyophilized powder)
- 2mL bacteriostatic water (sterile, preserved with 0.9% benzyl alcohol)
- Sterile syringe and needle (18-22 gauge for drawing)
- Insulin syringes (29-31G) for dosing
- Alcohol swabs
- Clean workspace
Step-by-Step Process
- Allow the LL-37 vial and bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature. Wipe rubber stoppers with alcohol swab.
- Draw up exactly 2mL of bacteriostatic water. Expel any air bubbles.
- Insert needle at a slight angle; slowly inject water down the vial wall to avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl or roll the vial. Do not shake vigorously.
- Solution should be clear. Do not use if cloudy or particulate.
- Concentration: 2,500 mcg/mL
| Dose | Volume (2mL recon at 2.5mg/mL) | Insulin Syringe (100-unit) |
|---|---|---|
| 25 mcg | 0.01 mL | 1 unit |
| 50 mcg | 0.02 mL | 2 units |
| 100 mcg | 0.04 mL | 4 units |
| 200 mcg | 0.08 mL | 8 units |
Weekly Dosing Schedule (Standard 100 mcg Daily Protocol)
| Day | Units | Dose | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 4 | 100 mcg | Morning |
| Tuesday | 4 | 100 mcg | Morning |
| Wednesday | 4 | 100 mcg | Morning |
| Thursday | 4 | 100 mcg | Morning |
| Friday | 4 | 100 mcg | Morning |
| Saturday | 4 | 100 mcg | Morning |
| Sunday | 4 | 100 mcg | Morning |
Weekly Total: 28 units (700 mcg) • Vial Duration: ~35 days at 100 mcg/day
For every-other-day dosing: administer Mon / Wed / Fri / Sun — weekly total 400 mcg, vial lasts ~87 days.
Quick Dosing Reference
| Units (Ticks) | Dose (mcg) | Dose (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 mcg | 0.025 mg |
| 2 | 50 mcg | 0.05 mg |
| 4 | 100 mcg | 0.1 mg |
| 8 | 200 mcg | 0.2 mg |
| 20 | 500 mcg | 0.5 mg |
Administration Guidelines
- Administer subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
- Rotate injection sites with each administration
- Standard research dose: 50–100 mcg daily or every other day
- Some protocols use 25–50 mcg/day as a conservative starting point
- Higher immune-support protocols: up to 200 mcg/day (use caution)
- Store reconstituted peptide refrigerated at 36–46°F (2–8°C)
- Use reconstituted solution within 30 days
- Never freeze reconstituted peptides
- Document administration times and observations
Compatible Compounds
Common Stacks
- Thymosin Alpha-1: Complementary immune modulation via T-cell pathway
- BPC-157: Wound healing and tissue repair synergy
- KPV: Anti-inflammatory tripeptide for gut/skin
- Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500): Tissue regeneration support
Research Applications
- Antimicrobial defense against bacteria, viruses, fungi
- Biofilm disruption in chronic infections
- Wound healing and skin repair
- Immune modulation and innate defense activation
Storage Requirements
| State | Storage Conditions |
|---|---|
| Lyophilized (powder) | Room temperature or refrigerated, protect from light |
| Reconstituted | Refrigerated 36–46°F (2–8°C), use within 30 days |