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Galectins are a family of proteins that bind β-galactosides and play key roles in a variety of cellular processes including host defense and entry of parasites into the host cells. They have been well studied in hosts but less so in parasites. As both host and parasite galectins are highly upregulated proteins following infection, galectins are an area of increasing interest and their role in immune modulation has only recently become clear. Correlation of CNS parasitic diseases with mental disorders as a result of direct or indirect interaction has been observed. Therefore, galectins produced by the parasite should be taken into consideration as potential therapeutic agents., Highlights • Galectins are important players in CNS parasitic infections. • Host galectins take a part in immunomodulation and facilitate parasitic survival during parasitic CNS infection. • Galectins produced by the parasite should be taken into consideration as potential therapeutic agents of mental diseases.