Galectin-3 is a member of the family of animal lectins, which selectively binds beta-galactoside residues. This protein is secreted from cells by ectocytosis, which is independent of the classical secretory pathway through the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi network. Galectin-3 has been associated with the inhibition of apoptosis and the progression of cancer. It is normally distributed in epithelia of many organs, in various inflammatory cells, including macrophages, as well as dendritic cells and Kupffer cells.