Galactose-specific lectin which binds IgE. May mediate with the alpha-3, beta-1 integrin the stimulation by CSPG4 of endothelial cells migration. Together with DMBT1, required for terminal differentiation of columnar epithelial cells during early embryogenesis. In the nucleus: acts as a pre-mRNA splicing factor. Involved in acute inflammatory responses including neutrophil activation and adhesion, chemoattraction of monocytes macrophages, opsonization of apoptotic neutrophils, and activation of mast cells. Together with TRIM16, coordinates the recognition of membrane damage with mobilization of the core autophagy regulators ATG16L1 and BECN1 in response to damaged endomembranes. Probably forms homo- or heterodimers. Interacts with DMBT1 (By similarity). Interacts with CD6 and ALCAM. Forms a complex with the ITGA3, ITGB1 and CSPG4. Interacts with LGALS3BP, LYPD3, CYHR1 and UACA. Interacts with TRIM16; this interaction mediates autophagy of damage endomembranes (By similarity). Secreted by a non-classical secretory pathway and associates with the cell surface. Can be secreted; the secretion is dependent on protein unfolding and facilitated by the cargo receptor TMED10; it results in protein translocation from the cytoplasm into the ERGIC (endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment) followed by vesicle entry and secretion. The highest levels are found in activated macrophages.