Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| LL-37 (Cathelicidin) | Thymosin Alpha-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Growth Factors |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 50-100 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection for immune support. | Research indicates 1.6 mg administered twice weekly via subcutaneous injection. |
| Timing | Morning administration preferred for immune support. Topical application directly to wound sites. | Morning administration preferred. No food timing restrictions. |
| Cycle Duration | 4-8 week cycles. Short-term use preferred due to limited long-term safety data. | 8-12 week cycles, with periodic breaks. Some protocols use continuous low-dose maintenance. |
| Evidence Level | animal_plus_anecdotal | strong_human |
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.
Thymosin Alpha-1 is a 28-amino acid peptide naturally produced by the thymus that acts as a pleiotropic immune modulator through Toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, TLR9) on myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. It activates downstream IRF3, NF-kB, p38MAPK, and MyD88 signaling pathways to promote cytokine production. It modulates TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-2 in CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes by upregulating CD40/CD40L and downregulating PD-L1/PD-1 expression, enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity.
Research indicates 1.6 mg administered twice weekly via subcutaneous injection.
Morning administration preferred. No food timing restrictions.
8-12 week cycles, with periodic breaks. Some protocols use continuous low-dose maintenance.
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