Lectin-binding proteins and their therapeutic use. In particular, described are the targeting and targeting-enhanced multimerization and activation of galectins. Provided is a galectin-conjugate including at least one galectin molecule conjugated to a non-galectin cell targeting means. Exemplary targeting means include targeting means able to bind EGP2, a pancarcinoma-associated cell surface target antigen, CD antigen, such as CD7 or CD38, or a TNF family member, such as TRAIL-R. The targeting means may comprise an antibody or a functional fragment thereof, such as a single chain variable antibody fragment (scFv). Also provided is the use of a galectin-conjugate for treating a disease, like cancer or an immune disorder, such as auto-immune disease, allergic disorder, auto-immune encephalomyelitis, arthritis, colitis, hepatitis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, transplant rejection, Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and / or inflammatory bowel disease.