Cathelicidin peptide LL-37: A multifunctional peptide involved in heart disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Heart disease presents a significant global health challenge due to high morbidity and mortality.
• The complex pathogenesis of heart disease involves factors like hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and inflammation.
• LL-37, a human antimicrobial peptide, possesses diverse biological functions beyond its known antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review and summarize the multifaceted roles of LL-37 in the context of heart disease.
• To elucidate the regulatory functions of LL-37 in key cardiovascular disease processes.
• To explore the potential clinical applications of LL-37 and its engineered analogs in cardiovascular medicine.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on LL-37 and cardiovascular disease.
• Analysis of LL-37's involvement in atherosclerosis, thrombosis, inflammation, and cardiac hypertrophy.
• Examination of engineered LL-37-related peptides and their therapeutic potential.

Main Results:

• LL-37 plays a regulatory role in atherosclerosis, thrombosis, inflammatory responses, and cardiac hypertrophy.
• Engineered LL-37-related peptides have demonstrated efficacy in modulating disease development.
• These findings highlight LL-37's potential as a therapeutic agent for heart conditions.

Conclusions:

• LL-37 is a promising endogenous peptide with significant implications for heart disease management.
• Targeting LL-37 pathways offers a novel therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases.
• Further research is warranted to fully harness the clinical potential of LL-37 in cardiology.