Endogenous galectins and the control of the host inflammatory response.

A new era of research is being devoted to deciphering endogenous mediators and mechanisms that are in place to resolve the inflammatory response. Accruing evidence indicates that galectins fall into this category of immunoregulatory mediators signifying their use as prospective novel anti-inflammatory agents. The focus of this review is to depict the immunoregulatory bioactivities of three members of the galectin superfamily, Galectin (Gal)-1, Gal-3 and Gal-9. Emphasis is given to the studies investigating the properties of these endogenous lectins. Gal-1, Gal-3 and Gal-9 are emerging as pertinent players in the modulation of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmunity and cancer, and thus being increasingly recognised as molecular targets for innovative drug discovery.