LL-37 (Cathelicidin) vs TB-500
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 →TB-500
Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500) is a naturally occurring peptide present in almost all human and animal cells. It plays a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | LL-37 (Cathelicidin) | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 500 mcg–1.6 mg | 2 mg–2.5 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | Less than daily |
| Cycle Length | 2–4 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Route | topical | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Disrupts bacterial membranes, neutralizes endotoxins, modulates immune cell function, and promotes wound healing. Has both direct antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. | TB-500 promotes cell migration and differentiation, regulates actin (a cell-building protein), and reduces inflammation. It supports the formation of new blood vessels and wound healing. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols vary widely. Typical ranges: 50-200mcg administered subcutaneously 2-3 times weekly. Some protocols use higher doses for acute infections. | Research protocols typically use 2-2.5mg twice weekly during the loading phase, followed by maintenance dosing of 2mg every 2 weeks. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Can cause significant injection site reactions. Often used in conjunction with other immune-supporting protocols. | Administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Some protocols suggest injection near injury sites. |
| Side Effects | Injection site pain and reactions are common. May cause flu-like symptoms, temporary fatigue, or immune activation responses. | May cause temporary fatigue, headache, or localized irritation at injection sites. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
LL-37 (Cathelicidin), TB-500 are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to TB-500:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Recovery & Healing: TB-500 has stronger research support.
| Goal | LL-37 (Cathelicidin) | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery & Healing | medium | high |
Key Studies
LL-37 (Cathelicidin)
- Cathelicidin LL-37 Expression in Human Breast Implant Capsules.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 2024
- Salivary Cathelicidin (LL-37) in Children and Adolescents Living with HIV.
Biomedicine hub, 2024
- Antifungal properties of cathelicidin LL-37: current knowledge and future research directions.
World journal of microbiology & biotechnology, 2023
TB-500
- Effects of BPC-157 and TB-500 on Achilles tendon healing in rats: A histopathological and biomechanical study.
Joint diseases and related surgery, 2026
- Simultaneous quantification of TB-500 and its metabolites in in-vitro experiments and rats by UHPLC-Q-Exactive orbitrap MS/MS and their screening by wound healing activities in-vitro.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences, 2024
- Adsorption effects of the doping relevant peptides Insulin Lispro, Synachten, TB-500 and GHRP 5.
Analytical biochemistry, 2017
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