The Multifaceted Roles of Galectins in Host–Virus Interactions: A Comprehensive Overview
Issued Date
2025-06-01
Resource Type
ISSN
09596658
eISSN
14602423
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105005294818
Pubmed ID
40302013
Journal Title
Glycobiology
Volume
35
Issue
6
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Glycobiology Vol.35 No.6 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Tung Y.W., Yang Z.S., Huang J.Y., Hsu Y.T., Tsui C.I., Hemdan M.S., Tadikamalla S., Baua A.D., Assavalapsakul W., Thitithanyanont A., Chao D.Y., Liu F.T., Wang S.F. The Multifaceted Roles of Galectins in Host–Virus Interactions: A Comprehensive Overview. Glycobiology Vol.35 No.6 (2025). doi:10.1093/glycob/cwaf026 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/110339
Title
The Multifaceted Roles of Galectins in Host–Virus Interactions: A Comprehensive Overview
Author's Affiliation
Faculty of Science, Mahidol University
Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital
Chulalongkorn University
Academia Sinica, Institute of Biomedical Sciences
National Chung Hsing University
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Kaohsiung Medical University
Kaohsiung Medical University College of Medicine
Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital
Chulalongkorn University
Academia Sinica, Institute of Biomedical Sciences
National Chung Hsing University
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Kaohsiung Medical University
Kaohsiung Medical University College of Medicine
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
. Galectins are a family of β-galactosides-binding protein, crucial regulators of host-virus interactions. They achieve this by recognizing specific glycan patterns on viral surfaces or mediating interactions with intracellular viral or host proteins, subsequently influencing the critical phases of the viral life cycle, such as attachment, replication, immune evasion, and reactivation. Furthermore, galectins modulate host immune responses, shaping the progression and outcomes of viral infections. This review comprehensively examines the roles of both endogenous and exogenous galectins in viral infections, noting that only a few galectins, including Galectin-1, −3, −4, −7, −8, and −9, Have been identified as key players in viral infection. Notably, Galectin-1, −3, and −9 play diverse functions in both DNA and RNA viral infection. Emerging evidence highlights the potential of Galectin-4 and -8 as intracellular sensors and modulators of viral pathogenesis. Endogenous galectins, produced by host cells, act through both glycan-dependent and glycan-independent mechanisms, influencing viral processes and immune responses. Exogenous galectins, which are secreted by other cells or administered as recombinant proteins, can either enhance or counteract the actions of endogenous galectins. The functions of galectins are virus-specific and context-dependent, serving as either promoters or inhibitors of viral replication and reactivation. Dysregulation of galectin expression is often linked to disease progression, highlighting their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets. The important and varied roles that galectins play in viral infections are highlighted in this review, which also provides fresh insights into host-pathogen interactions and the development of antiviral tactics.