A family of β-galactosides-binding proteins, called galectins, have recently emerged as novel molecules with immunoregulatory functions. These proteins are expressed in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory cells including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, and B and T cells, giving a broad spectrum of involvement in the immune response. Galectins are uniquely capable of acting both intracellularly and extracellularly, affecting such processes as cell adhesion, signaling, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Different members of this family have been shown to modulate several pathological processes such as allergic reactions, autoimmunity, and tumor invasion. Therefore, understanding the role of galectins in achieving appropriate proliferative and effector responses to antigens will yield important insights to autoimmune diseases and delineate novel strategies for disease intervention.

The immunological potential of galectin-1 and 3 / A. Dhirapong, A. Lleo de Nalda, P. Leung, M. E. Gershwin, F.T. Liu. - In: AUTOIMMUNITY REVIEWS. - ISSN 1568-9972. - 80:5(2009 Mar), pp. 360-363. [10.1016/j.autrev.2008.11.009]

The immunological potential of galectin-1 and 3

A. Lleo de Nalda
Secondo
;
2009

Abstract

A family of β-galactosides-binding proteins, called galectins, have recently emerged as novel molecules with immunoregulatory functions. These proteins are expressed in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory cells including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, and B and T cells, giving a broad spectrum of involvement in the immune response. Galectins are uniquely capable of acting both intracellularly and extracellularly, affecting such processes as cell adhesion, signaling, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Different members of this family have been shown to modulate several pathological processes such as allergic reactions, autoimmunity, and tumor invasion. Therefore, understanding the role of galectins in achieving appropriate proliferative and effector responses to antigens will yield important insights to autoimmune diseases and delineate novel strategies for disease intervention.
Apoptosis; Autoimmunity; Galectins
Settore MED/09 - Medicina Interna
mar-2009
Article (author)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/55097
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