11/20/2025
overview of Gal-3 effect on the immune system👇
✅Central Role of Galectin-3 Oligomer
The image illustrates the central immunomodulatory role of Galectin-3 oligomers, which interact with multiple immune cell types to regulate inflammation, immunity, and tissue remodeling. Galectin-3 acts as a hub connecting neutrophils, macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, mast cells, eosinophils, T cells, and B cells.
✅Effects on Neutrophils
Galectin-3 promotes neutrophil migration and extravasation toward infection sites.
It enhances cell adhesion and modulates the respiratory burst, supporting phagocytosis and the clearance of bacterial and fungal pathogens.
✅Effects on Macrophages
In macrophages, Galectin-3 supports recruitment and activation.
It enhances phagocytosis, contributes to macrophage polarization, and promotes cytokine production and cell survival.
✅Effects on Monocytes and Dendritic Cells
Galectin-3 influences monocyte differentiation into dendritic cells.
In dendritic cells, it promotes migration, cytokine release, T-cell activation, and antigen presentation.
✅Effects on Mast Cells
In mast cells, Galectin-3 regulates mediator release, modulates IgE receptor expression, and affects JNK1 signaling.
It can also promote apoptosis under specific conditions.
✅Effects on Eosinophils
Galectin-3 functions as a cell-surface adhesion molecule on eosinophils and regulates their interaction with VCAM-1 and α4 integrins.
It supports rolling and adhesion and contributes to the regulation of cell morphology.
✅Effects on T Cells
Galectin-3 down-regulates T-cell receptor (TCR) activation, leading to reduced cytokine responses.
It can promote apoptosis while simultaneously supporting cell survival depending on context.
✅Effects on B Cells
Galectin-3 inhibits B-cell differentiation into plasma cells and modulates B-cell development in lymphoid organs.
✅Interaction With Toll-Like Receptors
The diagram shows Galectin-3 interacting with Toll-like receptors (TLRs), indicating its role in innate immune sensing and inflammatory signaling pathways.
✅Related Diseases
🔴Dysregulation of Galectin-3 is associated with several diseases, including:
🔴Autoimmune diseases (RA, SLE, Sjögren’s syndrome)
🔴Atherosclerosis
🔴Infectious diseases (viral, bacterial, fungal regulation)
🔴Inflammatory diseases (IBD)
🔴Fibrotic diseases (IPF, chronic kidney disease, NASH, heart failure)
💡Morello, M.; Titolo, G.; D’Elia, S.; Caiazza, S.; Luisi, E.; Solimene, A.; Serpico, C.; Morello, A.; Natale, F.; Golino, P.; et al. Galectin-3: A Multitasking Protein Linking Cardiovascular Diseases, Immune Disorders and Beyond. Targets 2025, 3, 34. https://doi.org/10.3390/targets3040034