This record provides bibliographic details and links to the original research. An editorial study breakdown is not available.
What the researchers found
The human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 bound the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and blocked its attachment to the ACE2 receptor in lab tests. Up to seven LL-37 molecules surrounded each Spike protein.
Why it matters
LL-37 is naturally produced in the body when vitamin D levels are adequate. Understanding how it blocks viral entry could inform new antiviral strategies.
The numbers in context
Up to 7 LL-37 molecules per Spike protein; binding confirmed to Spike, ORF7a, and ORF8
How the study worked
In vitro study using surface plasmon resonance to measure binding and negative-stain electron microscopy to visualize LL-37-Spike complexes.
Who was studied
N/A (laboratory study of protein-peptide interactions)
What this study cannot tell us
All results are from lab-based experiments. Binding in a test tube does not guarantee the same effect in living tissue. No animal or human data included.
Read the original research
Vitamin D-inducible antimicrobial peptide LL-37 binds SARS-CoV-2 Spike and accessory proteins ORF7a and ORF8.
Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 15, 1671738
Citation
Roth, Annika; Lütke, Steffen; Mörgelin, Matthias; Meinberger, Denise; Hermes, Gabriele; Sengle, Gerhard; Koch, Manuel; Drexelius, Marco; Gebauer, Jan; Neundorf, Ines; Elezagic, Dzemal; Paulsson, Mats; Streichert, Thomas; Klatt, Andreas R. (2025). Vitamin D-inducible antimicrobial peptide LL-37 binds SARS-CoV-2 Spike and accessory proteins ORF7a and ORF8.. Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 15, 1671738. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1671738