LL-37 (Cathelicidin) vs Selank

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

LL-37 (Cathelicidin)Selank
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 50-100 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection for immune support.Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.15% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).
TimingMorning administration preferred for immune support. Topical application directly to wound sites.Can be dosed morning through evening. Unlike Semax, Selank is calming and can be used at night.
Cycle Duration4-8 week cycles. Short-term use preferred due to limited long-term safety data.14-21 day cycles with equal rest periods.
Evidence Levelanimal_plus_anecdotalmoderate_human

Mechanism

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.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 50-100 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection for immune support.

Timing

Morning administration preferred for immune support. Topical application directly to wound sites.

Cycle Duration

4-8 week cycles. Short-term use preferred due to limited long-term safety data.

Side Effects

  • Injection site pain and redness
  • Localized inflammation
  • Potential mast cell activation

Contraindications

  • Active autoimmune conditions (particularly lupus — LL-37 is implicated in SLE pathophysiology)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Psoriasis (may exacerbate)

Best Stacking Partners

KPVThymosin Alpha-1BPC-157
B

Selank

Peptides

Mechanism

Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (from IgG heavy chain) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension for metabolic stability. It allosterically modulates GABA-A receptors, enhancing GABA binding and GABAergic neurotransmission. Selank modifies mRNA levels of 84 genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission in the frontal cortex, enhances enkephalinase inhibition (increasing endogenous enkephalin levels), and modulates serotonergic and noradrenergic systems to produce anxiolytic and nootropic effects.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.15% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).

Timing

Can be dosed morning through evening. Unlike Semax, Selank is calming and can be used at night.

Cycle Duration

14-21 day cycles with equal rest periods.

Side Effects

  • Mild nasal irritation
  • Fatigue/sedation (uncommon)
  • Mild headache

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Severe hepatic impairment

Best Stacking Partners

SemaxBPC-157Thymosin Alpha-1

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