Galectins at the crossroads of tumor immunity, metabolism, and metastasis: mechanisms, therapeutic resistance, and translational opportunities - Takeaways - MDSpire

Galectins at the crossroads of tumor immunity, metabolism, and metastasis: mechanisms, therapeutic resistance, and translational opportunities

  • By

  • Chengxun Jin

  • Wenjia Wang

  • Yihang Gao

  • July 15, 2026

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  • 1

    Galectins are a family of β-galactoside-binding lectins that play critical roles in cancer progression through immune and metabolic regulation.

  • 2

    Major galectin family members, including Gal-1, Gal-3, and Gal-9, induce T-cell dysfunction and reprogram immune cells, contributing to tumor immunosuppression.

  • 3

    Galectins influence tumor metabolism by affecting glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and ferroptosis susceptibility, highlighting their functional diversity.

  • 4

    Emerging evidence links galectins to resistance against various therapies, including chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade, making them potential therapeutic targets.

  • 5

    Galectin-targeted strategies, such as small-molecule inhibitors and combination therapies, are being explored to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

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