Galectin-1, also known as L-14, BHL and galaptin, is a monomeric or homodimeric prototype galectin that is expressed in a variety of cells and tissues including muscle, heart, liver, prostate, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, placenta, testis, retina, macrophages, B cells, T cells, dendritic cells, and tumor cells. It preferentially binds Laminin, Fibronectin, Galectin-3BP/MAC-2BP, CD45, CD43, CD7, CD2, CD3, and ganglioside GM1. Galectin-1 modulates cell growth and proliferation, either positively or negatively, depending on the cell type and activation status. It controls cell survival by inducing apoptosis of activated T cells and immature thymocytes. It modulates cytokine secretion by inducing Th2 type cytokines and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Galectin-1 can also modulate cell-cell as well as cell-matrix interactions and depending on the cell type and developmental stage, promote cell attachment or detachment. Galectin-1 has immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to suppress acute and chronic inflammation and autoimmunity.
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