Galectin-3-binding protein: A multitask glycoprotein with innate immunity functions in viral and bacterial infections

: Vuokko Loimaranta, Jussi Hepojoki, Olli Laaksoaho, Arto T. Pulliainen

Publisher: WILEY

: 2018

: Journal of Leukocyte Biology

: JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY

: J LEUKOCYTE BIOL

: 104

: 4

: 777

: 786

: 10

: 0741-5400

: 1938-3673

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/JLB.3VMR0118-036R

Galectin-3-binding protein (Gal-3BP) is a ubiquitous and multifunctional secreted glycoprotein originally identified and mainly studied in the context of neoplastic transformation and cancer progression. However, Gal-3BP expression is induced in viral infection and by a multitude of molecules that either mimic or are characteristic for an ongoing inflammation and microbial infection, such as IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, poly(I:C), dsRNA, and dsDNA. Furthermore, Gal-3BP belongs to the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domain-containing protein family, by virtue of its N-terminal SRCR domain. The SRCR domain is found in soluble or membrane-associated innate immunity-related proteins and is implicated in self-nonself discrimination. This review summarizes the current knowledge of structural features of Gal-3BP and its proposed intracellular and extracellular innate immunity functions with special emphasis on viral and bacterial infections.