Overview of signal transduction between LL37 and bone marrow-derived MSCs

As a key signaling molecule, cationic antimicrobial peptide LL37 helps mediate intracellular and extracellular signal transduction. It interacts with various cells facilitating tissue repair and plays a vital role in the defense against pathogens. LL37 acts as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, possessing antitumor and antiviral properties. It promotes angiogenesis, co-operates with growth factors, antagonizes inflammatory media, participates in immune regulation, and helps tissue repair and growth. These biological effects are closely related to the information exchange between LL37 and various cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells. Gaining a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanism of communication between LL37 and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells is crucial. However, work on tissue repair remains at an early stage. This paper reviews the main signal transduction mechanisms operating between LL37 and mesenchymal stem cells in bone and subsequent effects on cell proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation.