LGALS1 is a member of the beta-galactoside-binding proteins implicated in modulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. This protein is an autocrine negative growth factor that regulates cell proliferation. It controls cell survival by inducing apoptosis of activated T cells and immature thymocytes, thus LGALS1 has immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. LGALS1 also regulates tumor angiogenesis and is a target for angiostatic cancer therapy.