Human cathelicidin LL-37 inhibits platelet aggregation and thrombosis via Src/PI3K/Akt signaling

Wen Su1, Yahui Chen1, Caihui Wang1

  • 1School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Street, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.

Biological functions of human cathelicidin LL-37 have been widely reported, including antibacterial, immune and anti-tumor effects. However, the antiplatelet activity of LL-37 has not been addressed. The purpose of our study was to investigate the antiplatelet and antithrombotic actions of LL-37. We found that this peptide inhibited human platelet aggregation in vitro and attenuated thrombus formation in vivo. Furthermore, LL-37 reduced phosphorylation of Src kinase and Akt(Ser473), decreased platelet spreading on immobilized fibrinogen and inhibited P-selectin expression on platelets. These results demonstrate that LL-37 has antiplatelet and antithrombotic actions.

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