Acetyl tetrapeptide-5
is used in cosmetic eye formulations to decrease puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles by reducing edema and protecting proteins such as SOD from glycation
Alanine
Ala / A · hydrophobic residue · neutral charge
AOD-9604
is studied as an anti-obesity peptide that can reduce weight gain and increase fat oxidation in obese animal models with generally neutral effects on IGF-1 and glucose metabolism in early human trials
Arginine
Arg / R · basic residue · positive charge
Argireline
is a topical cosmetic peptide reported to decrease dynamic wrinkles by partially mimicking the mechanism of botulinum toxin in a non-invasive manner
Asparagine
Asn / N · polar residue · neutral charge
Aspartic acid
Asp / D · acidic residue · negative charge
BPC-157
is investigated for accelerating healing of gastrointestinal mucosa, tendons, ligaments, bone, and nervous tissue in preclinical models, with anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects
Comparison
While LL-37 acts as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immunomodulatory peptide involved in host defense and wound repair, but can also promote inflammation and cancer cell proliferation in some contexts5215, Semax is used clinically in Russia for ischemic stroke and cognitive disorders; in models it improves learning, protects dopaminergic neurons, and modulates stress responses without significant endocrine ACTH-like effects166174.
While LL-37 works as a cationic amphipathic 37-amino-acid cathelicidin peptide generated from hCAP18 that disrupts microbial membranes and modulates innate immunity, including chemotaxis, cytokine induction, and NET formation521586, Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP), that is an analog of ACTH(4–10) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension and exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions partly via upregulation of BDNF and modulation of dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems40162165174.
LL-37
Semax
Targets are not fully defined; interacts with melanocortin-related pathways and inhibits certain peptidases, but no single dominant receptor has been established174
LL-37
CAMP
Semax
POMC
The clearest overlap between LL-37 and Semax is that both converge around Signaling modulator and GPCR receptor. Their typical research and application settings separate fairly clearly: LL-37 is more often discussed in the realm of Immunology and inflammation and Gastroenterology, whereas Semax is more often associated with the realm of Neurology and brain health and Ophthalmology. Mechanistically, both point toward Signaling modulator and converge on GPCR receptor, although the downstream emphasis is not identical. LL-37 has a more natural endogenous origin, while Semax is closer to synthetic analog background with LL-37 in Preclinical development and Semax approved for Research use only. Their usual administration context is also different, with LL-37 more often associated with topical / transdermal and intravenous infusion and Semax with intranasal delivery and subcutaneous injection.
No related articles are linked to these peptides yet.