Galectin is a type of lectin which binds beta-galactoside. Galectins are widely distributed in animals with a wide variety of functions, including inhibition of chronic inflammations, GVHD, and allergic reactions.
Membership in the galectin family requires fulfillment of two criteria: affinity for β-galactosides and significant sequence similarity in the carbohydrate-binding site, the relevant amino acid residues of which have been identified by X-ray crystallography (Lobsanov et al., 1993)”. This served the need to bring together under one nomenclature proteins that had been given a wide variety of names depending on the circumstances of their discovery. [1]
Genes encoding galectin include: