The ability of tumors to induce immunosuppression and inhibit the cytolytic function of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) is a major obstacle to creating effective immunotherapies for cancer patients. The levels of galectin-3 (Gal-3) protein, which contribute to the immunosuppression, are increased during tumor progression in many cancers. Gal-3 contributes to immunosuppression by inducing M2 (wound healing) polarization of tumor-associated macrophages and playing a role in the survival and metastasis of cancer cells.