LGALS1 and systemic lupus erythematosus: Regarding sialylation, activated T cells from SLE patients have increased expression of ST6 β-galactosamine α-2,6-sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1), the enzyme responsible for binding sialic acid at the α-2,6 bond galactose from O- and N-glycans; this increased expression of sialic acid prevents the binding of galectin 1 to its ligands [92].