Binds galactosides. Has high affinity for the Forssman pentasaccharide. May play a role in thymocyte-epithelial interactions relevant to the biology of the thymus. Inhibits cell proliferation. It is a ligand for HAVCR2/TIM3. Induces T-helper type 1 lymphocyte (Th1) death. Isoform Short acts as an eosinophil chemoattractant.
[1]"X-ray structures of human galectin-9C-terminal domain in complexes with a biantennary oligosaccharide and sialyllactose."Yoshida H., Teraoka M., Nishi N., Nakakita S., Nakamura T., Hirashima M., Kamitori S.J. Biol. Chem. 285:36969-36976(20