Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is a carbohydrate-binding protein with a wide range of biological activities, including immune regulation, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. It is differentially expressed in various normal and pathological tissues and plays a crucial role in T-cell homeostasis, immune disorders, and host-pathogen interactions. Gal-1 expression or overexpression in tumors is often associated with malignant progression, metastasis, and immune escape. In its oxidized form, Gal-1 promotes central nervous system regeneration after injury. Targeted overexpression of Gal-1 is being explored as a therapeutic approach for inflammation-related diseases, neurodegenerative pathologies, and muscular dystrophies, while targeted inhibition of Gal-1 expression is being developed for cancer therapy. Gal-1's complex functions involve both intracellular and extracellular activities, interacting with various proteins and carbohydrates. Its regulation, subcellular distribution, and binding partners are also discussed, highlighting its multifaceted role in biological processes.Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is a carbohydrate-binding protein with a wide range of biological activities, including immune regulation, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. It is differentially expressed in various normal and pathological tissues and plays a crucial role in T-cell homeostasis, immune disorders, and host-pathogen interactions. Gal-1 expression or overexpression in tumors is often associated with malignant progression, metastasis, and immune escape. In its oxidized form, Gal-1 promotes central nervous system regeneration after injury. Targeted overexpression of Gal-1 is being explored as a therapeutic approach for inflammation-related diseases, neurodegenerative pathologies, and muscular dystrophies, while targeted inhibition of Gal-1 expression is being developed for cancer therapy. Gal-1's complex functions involve both intracellular and extracellular activities, interacting with various proteins and carbohydrates. Its regulation, subcellular distribution, and binding partners are also discussed, highlighting its multifaceted role in biological processes.