Binds galactosides. May play a role in thymocyte-epithelial interactions relevant to the biology of the thymus. Is a ligand for HAVCR2/TIM3. Induces T-helper type 1 lymphocyte (Th1) death (By similarity). May provide the molecular basis for urate flux across cell membranes, allowing urate that is formed during purine metabolism to efflux from cells and serving as an electrogenic transporter that plays an important role in renal and gastrointestinal urate excretion. Highly selective to the anion urate.
