Galectin-10 as a Potential Biomarker for Eosinophilic Diseases

Abstract

Galectin-10 is a member of the lectin family and one of the most abundant cytoplasmic proteins in human eosinophils. Except for some myeloid leukemia cells, basophils, and minor T cell populations, galectin-10 is exclusively present in eosinophils in the human body. Galectin-10 forms Charcot–Leyden crystals, which are observed in various eosinophilic diseases. Accumulating studies have indicated that galectin-10 acts as a new biomarker for disease activity, diagnosis, and treatment effectiveness in asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, atopic dermatitis, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. The extracellular release of galectin-10 is not mediated through conventional secretory processes (piecemeal degranulation or exocytosis), but rather by extracellular trap cell death (ETosis), which is an active cell death program. Eosinophils undergoing ETosis rapidly disintegrate their plasma membranes to release the majority of galectin-10. Therefore, elevated galectin-10 levels in serum and tissue suggest a high degree of eosinophil ETosis. To date, several studies have shown that galectin-10/Charcot–Leyden crystals are more than just markers for eosinophilic inflammation, but play functional roles in immunity. In this review, we focus on the close relationship between eosinophils and galectin-10, highlighting this protein as a potential new biomarker in eosinophilic diseases.

Eosinophils from A to Z

“…Furthermore, the measurement of biomarkers such as EDN in the urine is proposed as a non‐invasive method and is unaffected by cellular lysis 117 Galectin‐10 (Gal‐10), also known as Charcot‐Leyden crystal (CLC) protein , is found in the sputum, nasal secretions, nasal polyps, serum, and skin tissue 121 . The presence of Gal‐10 at the above‐mentioned sites is indicative of asthma, EoE, rhinitis, sinusitis, AD, and EGPA in regard to diagnosis, disease activity, and treatment effectiveness 121 …”

“…121 The presence of Gal-10 at the above-mentioned sites is indicative of asthma, EoE, rhinitis, sinusitis, AD, and EGPA in regard to diagnosis, disease activity, and treatment effectiveness. 121 • Soluble siglec-8 was identified as a new potential serum marker for asthma, HES, and lymphocytic variant of HES. 74,75,122 • FeNO is used as a biomarker for asthma.…”

“…Galectin‐10 (Gal‐10), also known as Charcot‐Leyden crystal (CLC) protein , is found in the sputum, nasal secretions, nasal polyps, serum, and skin tissue 121 . The presence of Gal‐10 at the above‐mentioned sites is indicative of asthma, EoE, rhinitis, sinusitis, AD, and EGPA in regard to diagnosis, disease activity, and treatment effectiveness 121 Soluble siglec‐8 was identified as a new potential serum marker for asthma, HES , and lymphocytic variant of HES 74,75,122 …”

Galectin functions in cancer-associated inflammation and thrombosis

“…Interestingly, a subgroup of eosinophils was identified with high levels of galectin-10 and CD16 expression, and these eosinophils are more potent T-cell suppressors than conventional eosinophils (154). Proteomic analysis of human CD4+ and CD25+ regulatory T cells identified galectin-10 as a novel marker that distinguishes this population from resting and activated CD4+ T cells (155). Inhibition of galectin-10 restored the proliferative capacity of human Tregs and abolished their immunosuppressive function (155).…”

“…Proteomic analysis of human CD4+ and CD25+ regulatory T cells identified galectin-10 as a novel marker that distinguishes this population from resting and activated CD4+ T cells (155). Inhibition of galectin-10 restored the proliferative capacity of human Tregs and abolished their immunosuppressive function (155).…”