LL-37 (Cathelicidin) vs MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)

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.

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MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)

MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 that is produced locally in muscle tissue in response to mechanical stress. The non-PEGylated form has a very short half-life.

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Side-by-Side Comparison

AspectLL-37 (Cathelicidin)MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
MechanismDisrupts bacterial membranes, neutralizes endotoxins, modulates immune cell function, and promotes wound healing. Has both direct antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects.Activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) and promotes their proliferation without differentiation, priming them for fusion with existing muscle fibers during repair and growth.
Typical DosageResearch protocols vary widely. Typical ranges: 50-200mcg administered subcutaneously 2-3 times weekly. Some protocols use higher doses for acute infections.Due to extremely short half-life (minutes), typical protocols use 100-200mcg injected directly into target muscles immediately post-workout.
AdministrationSubcutaneous injection. Can cause significant injection site reactions. Often used in conjunction with other immune-supporting protocols.Intramuscular injection into trained muscles within minutes of workout completion. Must be used immediately after reconstitution due to instability.
Side EffectsInjection site pain and reactions are common. May cause flu-like symptoms, temporary fatigue, or immune activation responses.Injection site soreness, potential hypoglycemia, localized swelling. Short half-life limits systemic effects.
Best For

What They Have in Common

Both LL-37 (Cathelicidin) and MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) are commonly used for:

Key Differences

Unique to LL-37 (Cathelicidin):

Unique to MGF (Mechano Growth Factor):

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