Beta-galactoside-binding lectin that acts as a sensor of membrane damage caused by infection and restricts the proliferation of infecting pathogens by targeting them for autophagy (PubMed:22246324, PubMed:28077878). Detects membrane rupture by binding beta-galactoside ligands located on the lumenal side of the endosome membrane; these ligands becoming exposed to the cytoplasm following rupture (PubMed:22246324, PubMed:28077878). Restricts infection by initiating autophagy via interaction with CALCOCO2/NDP52 (PubMed:22246324, PubMed:28077878). Required to restrict infection of bacterial invasion such as S.typhimurium (PubMed:22246324). Also required to restrict infection of Picornaviridae viruses (PubMed:28077878). Has a marked preference for 3'-O-sialylated and 3'-O-sulfated glycans (PubMed:21288902). Homodimer (PubMed:21288902, Ref.15). Interacts with CALCOCO2/NDP52 (PubMed:22246324). Interacts with PDPN; the interaction is glycosylation-dependent; may participate in connection of the lymphatic endothelium to the surrounding extracellular matrix. Ubiquitous. Selective expression by prostate carcinomas versus normal prostate and benign prostatic hypertrophy. Contains two homologous but distinct carbohydrate-binding domains. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus. Probable cloning artifact. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus. Galectin-8 C-terminal CRD Galectin-8 long isoform Galectin-8 long isoform