Galectins and Host–Pathogen Interactions: The roles in viral infections

Galectins, a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins, play crucial roles in the host–virus interaction landscape. This review explores the multifaceted contributions of endogenous galectins to various stages of the viral lifecycle, including attachment, replication, assembly, and release of progeny virions. Recent studies have indicated that viral infections can induce the expression and secretion of specific galectins, with elucidated signaling pathways in some cases, enhancing our understanding of their regulatory mechanisms. While many studies have focused on the effects of exogenous recombinant galectins, there is growing interest in the intrinsic functions of endogenous galectins, particularly through genetic alterations in cellular models. This review highlights the need for further research to uncover the complex roles of galectins in modulating viral infections and emphasizes their potential as therapeutic targets in the fight against viral diseases. Understanding these interactions could pave the way for novel strategies to enhance host defense mechanisms and mitigate viral pathogenesis. •Galectins modulate host-virus interactions at multiple stages of viral infection.•Galectins regulate viral infections by interacting with host or viral proteins and modulating immune responses.•Galectins have potential as sensors for detecting invasive viruses and could serve as biomarkers for certain viral diseases.