ITLN1 (intelectin-1) is a calcium-dependent lectin that serves multiple physiological functions. Primarily, ITLN1 functions as a microbial recognition protein, specifically binding to terminal acyclic 1,2-diol moieties in bacterial glycans from both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria while not binding human glycans, suggesting a role in innate immunity 1. The protein is secreted by intestinal epithelial cells and goblet cells, where it plays a critical role in modulating the intestinal mucus barrier 2. ITLN1 binds to specific bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila, altering their localization within the mucus layer and affecting mucus barrier integrity 2. In inflammatory bowel disease, ITLN1 is upregulated and promotes intestinal epithelial cell death through PANoptosis, contributing to Crohn's disease progression by stabilizing calpain-2 (CAPN2) and antagonizing TRIM8-mediated ubiquitination 3. Additionally, ITLN1 functions as an adipokine with anti-inflammatory properties, promoting M2 macrophage polarization and IL-4-dependent responses 4. In cardiovascular contexts, omentin-1 (ITLN1) provides protective effects against myocardial ischemia-induced heart failure through SIRT3/FOXO3a signaling and mitochondrial homeostasis 5. Expression levels correlate with PPARγ in adipose tissue and show inverse relationships with inflammatory markers 6.