Galectin-3, is classified as a chimeric member of the Galectin superfamily. Nuclear Galectin-3 can modulate gene expression, while cytosolic Galectin-3 can inhibit apoptosis. Galectin-3 contributes to the innate immune response against Candida albicans and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and it can facilitate acute inflammatory responses via neutrophil activation and opsonization, macrophage recruitment, and mast cell activation.