title: Roles of galectins in infection.
abstract: Galectins, which were first characterized in the mid-1970s, were assigned a role in the recognition of endogenous ('self') carbohydrate ligands in embryogenesis, development and immune regulation. Recently, however, galectins have been shown to bind glycans on the surface of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, and function as recognition and effector factors in innate immunity. Some parasites subvert the recognition roles of the vector or host galectins to ensure successful attachment or invasion. This Review discusses the role of galectins in microbial infection, with particular emphasis on adaptations of pathogens to evasion or subversion of host galectin-mediated immune responses.
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, Center of Marine Biotechnology, Columbus Center, Baltimore, 21202, USA. vasta@umbi.umd.edu
authors.forename: Gerardo R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Vasta
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D037161:Galectins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009844:Oligosaccharides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D011485:Protein Binding
chemical_list: D037161:Galectins; D009844:Oligosaccharides