Study summary · research use only
The roles of cathelicidin LL-37 in immune defences and novel clinical applications
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This review discusses LL-37, described as the only human member of the cathelicidin family of host defence peptides, primarily produced by phagocytic leucocytes and epithelial cells. The authors summarize reported biological responses including direct killing of microorganisms, chemotaxis and chemokine induction, regulation of inflammatory responses, and adjuvant, angiogenic, and wound healing effects. They review recent understanding of mechanisms controlling LL-37 expression, highlighting involvement of the vitamin D3 and hypoxia response pathways and the impact of commensal and pathogenic microorganisms, as well as synergistic and antagonistic interactions with other immune mediators. They note studies in animal models and human patients characterizing roles in infectious and inflammatory conditions, and describe how LL-37 properties have been used to create innate defence regulator peptides as an immunomodulatory approach. No numerical data are reported.
Abstract
LL-37 is the only member of the cathelicidin family of host defence peptides expressed in humans. It is primarily produced by phagocytic leucocytes and epithelial cells, and mediates a wide range of biological responses: direct killing of microorganisms, chemotaxis and chemokine induction, regulation of inflammatory responses, as well as adjuvant, angiogenic and wound healing effects. In this review we will cover the recent advances in the understanding of LL-37 biology: its activities, the mechanisms of its induction and roles in immune defence. Recent studies advanced our understanding of the mechanisms controlling LL-37 expression, demonstrating the key involvement of the vitamin D3 and the hypoxia response pathways, and the impacts of commensal and pathogenic microorganisms on its production. The synergistic and antagonistic interactions between LL-37 and other immune mediators have been further elucidated. Furthermore, studies in animal models and human patients further characterized the roles of cathelicidins in immunity, with roles in infectious and inflammatory conditions. The underlying properties of LL-37 have been exploited to create innate defence regulator peptides that represent a novel immunomodulatory approach to treating infections. The understanding of the biological properties and functions of LL-37 and other host defence peptides advances our knowledge of innate immunity, the interactions of the host with pathogens and the microflora, as well as the pathology of infectious and inflammatory diseases, creating many strategies and opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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