LL-37 (Cathelicidin) vs KPV
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
LL-37 (Cathelicidin)
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. It plays crucial roles in innate immunity and has shown diverse biological activities including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and wound healing properties.
Full details →KPV
KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It retains the potent anti-inflammatory properties of the parent hormone without the tanning or other melanocortin effects.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | LL-37 (Cathelicidin) | KPV |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Disrupts bacterial membranes, neutralizes endotoxins, modulates immune cell function, and promotes wound healing. Has both direct antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. | Inhibits NF-κB activation and reduces inflammatory cytokine production. Enters cells and directly modulates inflammatory signaling without requiring melanocortin receptors. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols vary widely. Typical ranges: 50-200mcg administered subcutaneously 2-3 times weekly. Some protocols use higher doses for acute infections. | Oral/sublingual: 200-500mcg 1-3 times daily. Topical formulations for localized inflammation. Also used in enemas for gut inflammation. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Can cause significant injection site reactions. Often used in conjunction with other immune-supporting protocols. | Can be taken orally, sublingually, or as suppositories/enemas for gut inflammation. Topical use for skin conditions. Stable orally unlike most peptides. |
| Side Effects | Injection site pain and reactions are common. May cause flu-like symptoms, temporary fatigue, or immune activation responses. | Generally very well-tolerated. Minimal systemic effects due to targeted anti-inflammatory action. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both LL-37 (Cathelicidin) and KPV are commonly used for: