The intricate relationship between cytokines and galectins in immune modulation

The human immune system is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body against external and internal threats. Disruption of an effective immune response can lead to detrimental effects, such as autoimmune diseases or cancer. To ensure an adequate response, a complex network of immunoregulatory pathways exists. Cytokines and galectins represent two immunoregulatory protein families that, for long, were considered to act independently. Current research shows that the expression and secretion of galectins and cytokines is reciprocally controlled. More recently, cytokines and galectins were found to form heterodimers, affecting protein functionality. All these findings suggest a cooperative activity of cytokines and galectins during immune regulation. To fully understand their combined immunoregulatory capacities, it is essential to investigate this reciprocal relationship between cytokines and galectins. Here, we summarize our current knowledge regarding the regulatory and functional relationship between galectins and cytokines in the context of the immune response.