Clinical Trials and Applications of Galectin Antagonists

Abstract

Galectins comprise a relatively large family of carbohydrate-binding proteins that recognize and bind to β-D-galactoside residues expressed on a variety of different molecules. Advances in the study of their biological activities demonstrate potential functions in cancer progression, inflammatory, immune, and fibrotic responses which have recently translated to target the galectins as novel therapeutic strategies to address unmet medical needs. This review will summarize the therapeutic applications of galectin antagonists to treat human diseases currently in clinical trials.