Galectin-1 belongs to the lectin family of carbohydrate binding proteins and binds glycans as both a monomer and a homodimer. Galectin-1 is produced in peripheral lymphoid organs and inflammatory sites. Galectin-1 plays important roles in acute and chronic inflammatory processes, cell growth, cell proliferation, and induces apoptosis of activated T cells. Galectin-1 also modulates cytokine secretion and inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production.