Redefining Immune Dynamics in Acute Pancreatitis: The Protective Role of Galectin-3 Deletion and Treg Cell Enhancement

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a complex inflammatory condition that can lead to systemic inflammatory responses and multiple organ dysfunction. This study investigates the role of Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside-binding lectin, in modulating acquired immune responses in AP. Acute pancreatitis was induced by ligation of the bile-pancreatic duct in wild-type and Galectin-3-deficient C57BL/6 mice. We determined the phenotypic and molecular features of inflammatory cells, serum concentrations of amylase, pancreatic trypsin activity, and pancreatic and lung pathology. Galectin-3 deficiency decreased the total number of CD3 CD49 T cells and CD4 T helper cells, downregulated the production of inflammatory cytokine and IFN-γ, and increased the accumulation of IL-10-producing Foxp3 T regulatory cells and regulatory CD4 T cells in the pancreata of diseased animals. The deletion of Galectin-3 ameliorates acute pancreatitis characterized by lowering serum amylase concentration and pancreatic trypsin activity, and attenuating of the histopathology of the lung. These findings shed light on the role of Galectin-3 in acquired immune response in acute pancreatitis and identify Galectin-3 as an attractive target for investigation of the immunopathogenesis of disease and for consideration as a potential therapeutic target for patients with acute inflammatory disease of the pancreas.