Galectins are among the most widely expressed class of lectins in all organisms. They typically bind β-galactose-containing glycoconjugates and share primary structural homology in their carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs). Galectins have many biological functions, including roles in development, regulation of immune cell activities, and microbial recognition as part of the innate immune system. This chapter describes the diversity of the galectin family and presents an overview of what is known about their biosynthesis, secretion, and biological roles.

Fil: Rabinovich, Gabriel Adrián. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; Argentina

Fil: Cummings, Richard D.. Harvard Medical School; Estados Unidos

Fil: Vasta, Gerardo R.. University of Maryland; Estados Unidos

Fil: Stowell, Sean R.. Harvard Medical School; Estados Unidos

Fil: Liu, Fu-Tong. Academia Sinica; China