The human galectins (galactoside-binding lectins) are a family of 15 glycan-binding proteins that exclusively bind β-galactosides [1]. These proteins participate in a wide and diverse range of intracellular and extracellular biological and pathological processes, including roles in roles in cancer, immunity and inflammation, and development.

1. Leffler H, Carlsson S, Hedlund M, Qian Y, Poirier F. (2002) Introduction to galectins. Glycoconj J, 19 (7-9): 433-40. [PMID:14758066]