The galectins are a family of beta-galactoside-binding proteins implicated in modulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. The protein encoded by this gene is an S-type lectin. It is overexpressed in Hodgkin's disease tissue and might participate in the interaction between the H&RS; cells with their surrounding cells and might thus play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease and/or its associated immunodeficiency. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene.LGALS9 (Galectin 9) is a Protein Coding gene. Among its related pathways are RET signaling and Innate Immune System. GO annotations related to this gene include signal transducer activity and galactose binding. An important paralog of this gene is LGALS9B.