Fig. 8.

Galectins recognize a diverse range of pathogens. While the immunoregulatory roles of galectins likely represent some of their most well known functions, the ability of galectins to recognize a diverse range of pathogens may reflect some of their earliest evolutionary activities. Galectin recognition of pathogens can result in opsonization or direct microbial killing. In contrast, pathogens may utilize galectins to facilitate attachment and invasion. 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