Abstract
Galectin, a member of the β-galactoside-binding protein family, is involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including cell adhesion, growth, apoptosis, and immune regulation. Due to its high malignancy, heterogeneity, invasive nature, and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, no effective treatment has been found for glioma so far. Galectin has been discovered to influence the invasion, migration, angiogenesis, and chemotherapy resistance of glioma, and can also play a significant role in the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TME) by acting on immune cells such as T lymphocytes, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). This review discusses the role of galectin, especially the latest research progress on Gal-1, Gal-3, Gal-8, and Gal-9 in glioma, and proposes the therapeutic potential and challenges of targeting galectin for the treatment of glioma.