Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent the first line of defense against many invading pathogens. These small
amphipathic peptides are part of the innate immune system and have a broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi and
viruses. In mammals, at least two distinct groups of AMPs are found. Defensins are the more representatives and
cathelicidins form the second group. The hCAP18/LL37 is the only known human cathelicidin. The antimicrobial peptide
is referred to as LL37, since it has a 37 amino acids sequence starting with two leucines. It is a 4.5 kDa, cationic (+6),
amphipathic -helical peptide, with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Besides its antimicrobial properties LL37
plays a central role in innate immune responses and inflammation. It has been identified as a potent chemoattractant for
mast cells, monocytes, T lymphocytes and neutrophils using formyl-peptide receptorlike 1 (FPRL1). LL37 also promotes
wound healing, angiogenesis and arteriogenesis and acts as immune adjuvant.y FEDER funds through the
Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade –
COMPETE and by national funds through the project PTDC/EDB/EBI/112170/2009 from the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecn
