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. 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. Restricts infection by initiating autophagy via interaction with CALCOCO2/NDP52. Required to restrict infection of bacterial invasion such as S.typhimurium. Also required to restrict infection of Picornaviridae viruses. Has a marked preference for 3'-O-sialylated and 3'-O-sulfated glycans. Homodimer. Interacts with CALCOCO2/NDP52. Interacts with PDPN; the interaction is glycosylation-dependent; may participate in connection of the lymphatic endothelium to the surrounding extracellular matrix. Contains two homologous but distinct carbohydrate-binding domains. Galectin-8