Galectin-2: Proteins and Enzymes

Galectin-2 is a homodimeric S-type lectin that is primarily expressed in the digestive tract and skin. It is downregulated during bacterial infection but is elevated in the serum of some colon and breast cancer patients. S-nitrosylation prevents Galectin-2 inactivation by hydrogen peroxide and may protect against oxidative stress. Galectin-2 treatment can reduce MHC class I-restricted immune responses and ameliorate acute and chronic experimental colitis in mice by inducing apoptosis of T cells.