Fig. 2.

Distinct galectin family members possess the capacity to differentially regulate lymphocytes. Some of the earliest studies suggested that galectins appear to possess immunomodulatory activity by directly impacting T cell viability. Subsequent studies suggested that galectin might not only regulate T cell viability but also regulate cytokine secretion and activation. Several galectins might also play a variety of roles in the development, activation and differentiation of B cells. Similar galectin-mediated regulation may play a role in NK and NKT cell activation and viability. Representative galectin-regulated activities are shown. Red arrows indicate an activity that the respective galectin increases, while blue arrows signify galectin-induced decreases in the accompanying activity