Galectin-3 (Galactose specific lectin 3, Mac-2 antigen, IgE binding protein, 35 kDa lectin, Carbohydrate binding protein 35, Laminin binding protein)

Galectin-3 (26 kDa) is a b-galactoside-binding protein belonging to the Galectin family. Galectin-3 is normally found in epithelia of many organs and various inflammatory cells, including macrophages as well as dendritic cells and Kupfer cells. Galectin-3 has been shown to mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and it acts as a novel chemoattractant for monocytes and macrophages.