Ecalectin/galectin-9, a novel eosinophil chemoattractant: its function and production

We have recently succeeded in purifying and cloning a novel eosinophil chemoattractant, ecalectin/galectin-9, which belong to a rapidly growing galectin family. The eosinophil chemoattractant activity of ecalectin is potent and selective for eosinophils. The cellular source of ecalectin has been thought to be antigen-stimulated T cells. Herein, we will review the significance of its divalent galactoside-binding activity in ecalectin-induced eosinophil chemoattraction and the regulation of ecalectin expression in immune cells.