Galectins in the abdominal cavity of the conger eel Conger myriaster participate in the cellular encapsulation of parasitic nematodes by host cells

► Congerin, a proto-type galectin of conger eel, also exists in the abdominal cavity. ► Cucullanus nematodes in the abdominal cavity are encapsulated by the host cells. ► Congerin can bind to both the surface of parasites and the encapsulating cells. ► Congerin encouraged cellular adhesion of the conger peritoneal cells. ► These findings indicate congerin promotes cellular encapsulation of the nematodes.