Role of Galectins in Allergic Disorders

Abstract

Background: Allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy; with antihistamines, anti-leukotrienes, corticosteroids and bronchodilators as well as monoclonal antibodies; and allergen specific immunotherapy stand as confirmed approaches for the management of allergic disorders as asthma, allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergies and anaphylaxis. Galectins are members of animal lectin protein family, with binding specificity for beta-galactoside sugars. These highly conserved proteins are known to be expressed in various effector cells of the immune system, exert immuno-regulatory activities, and enroll in tissue inflammation and regulation of immune homeostasis.