Background:
Intelectin-1 also known as the intestinal lactoferrin receptor is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ITLN1 gene.Intelectin-1 functions both as a receptor for bacterial arabinogalactans and for lactoferrin. Has no effect on basal glucose uptake but enhances insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipocytes. Increases AKT phosphorylation in the absence and presence of insulin. May play a role in the defense system against microorganisms. May specifically recognize carbohydrate chains of pathogens and bacterial components containing galactofuranosyl residues, in a calcium-dependent manner.