Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| LL-37 (Cathelicidin) | MOTS-c | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 50-100 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection for immune support. | Research indicates 5-10 mg administered 3-5 times per week via subcutaneous injection. |
| Timing | Morning administration preferred for immune support. Topical application directly to wound sites. | Morning administration preferred. Can be dosed pre-workout for enhanced exercise performance. |
| Cycle Duration | 4-8 week cycles. Short-term use preferred due to limited long-term safety data. | 8-16 week cycles. |
| Evidence Level | animal_plus_anecdotal | Emerging (strong preclinical) |
LL-37 is a 37-residue amphipathic helical antimicrobial peptide, the only human cathelicidin, that kills bacteria by forming tetrameric channels that perforate cytoplasmic membranes. Beyond direct antimicrobial activity, it modulates innate immunity through formyl-peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), induces chemotaxis of neutrophils and monocytes, upregulates CXCR4 and IL-8, and neutralizes bacterial endotoxins (LPS). It also promotes wound healing through keratinocyte migration and angiogenesis.
Research indicates 50-100 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection for immune support.
Morning administration preferred for immune support. Topical application directly to wound sites.
4-8 week cycles. Short-term use preferred due to limited long-term safety data.
MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the 12S rRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. It primarily acts through the folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway: by regulating the folate cycle and de novo purine biosynthesis, it increases AICAR accumulation, which phosphorylates and activates AMPK. This enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, and mimics exercise-mediated physiological responses. Skeletal muscle MOTS-c levels increase 11.9-fold in response to acute exercise in young men.
Research indicates 5-10 mg administered 3-5 times per week via subcutaneous injection.
Morning administration preferred. Can be dosed pre-workout for enhanced exercise performance.
8-16 week cycles.
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