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The regulation of inflammation by galectin-3
Neil C Henderson1, Tariq Sethi
1Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Immunological Reviews
|July 15, 2009
Summary
Galectin-3, a versatile protein, plays dual roles in inflammation, aiding acute defense but promoting chronic scarring. Targeting galectin-3 offers a novel therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Galectin-3 is a conserved 30 kDa beta-galactoside-binding animal lectin.
- Its diverse localization (extracellular, cytoplasmic, nuclear) and concentration-dependent oligomerization enable flexible biological regulation.
- Galectin-3 is implicated in both host defense during acute inflammation and fibrogenesis in chronic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of galectin-3 in the inflammatory process.
- To explore the potential of modulating galectin-3 as a therapeutic approach for inflammatory diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of galectin-3's involvement in inflammation.
- Analysis of galectin-3's regulatory functions in acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting galectin-3.
Main Results:
- Galectin-3 is crucial for host defense against pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae in acute inflammation.
- Repetitive tissue injury involves galectin-3 in the transition to chronic inflammation, promoting fibrogenesis and scarring.
- Galectin-3 acts as a regulatory molecule across the spectrum of inflammation to tissue fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- Galectin-3 exhibits a dual role in inflammation, acting as both a protective agent and a driver of chronic disease.
- Targeting galectin-3 presents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing a wide array of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases.
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