Intelectin-1 (ITLN1)

Intelectin-1 is a secreted glycoprotein lectin encoded by the ITLN1 gene. Also known as omentin or intestinal lactoferrin receptor, it binds specifically to exocyclic vicinal diols found on microbial carbohydrates such as galactofuranose—structures present on bacteria but absent from mammalian tissues—thus playing an important role in innate immunity at mucosal surfaces like the intestine. It also acts as a receptor for lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein involved in antimicrobial defense. Intelectin-1 forms disulfide-linked homotrimers (~120 kDa) that are N-glycosylated and secreted mainly by goblet cells within the gut epithelium but also found in vascular tissue, omental fat, heart, colon, thymus, ovary/testis. Its expression increases during inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis; it modulates host-microbe interactions by binding select commensal/pathogenic bacteria within mucus layers. Additionally recognized as an adipocytokine circulating in blood plasma/serum with roles proposed in metabolic regulation and cardiovascular protection following injury through inhibition of fibrosis/hypertrophy/smooth muscle proliferation/migration/calcification while promoting revascularization.

Other names

OmentinIntestinal lactoferrin receptorHL-1HL1INTLITLNLFRhIntL

Not applicable for approved drugs. For experimental approaches: - Potential mechanisms include modulation of immune responses by binding to bacterial carbohydrates. - May influence inflammatory pathways via its lectin activity. - Modulation of metabolic processes as an adipocytokine.