Lectin that specifically recognizes microbial carbohydrate chains in a calcium-dependent manner. Binds to microbial glycans that contain a terminal acyclic 1,2-diol moiety, including beta-linked D-galactofuranose (beta-Galf), D-phosphoglycerol-modified glycans, D-glycero-D-talo-oct-2-ulosonic acid (KO) and 3-deoxy-D-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid (KDO). Binds to glycans from Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including K.pneumoniae, S.pneumoniae, Y.pestis, P.mirabilis and P.vulgaris. Does not bind human glycans. Probably plays a role in the defense system against microorganisms (Probable). May function as adipokine that has no effect on basal glucose uptake but enhances insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipocytes. Increases AKT phosphorylation in the absence and presence of insulin. May interact with lactoferrin/LTF and increase its uptake, and may thereby play a role in iron absorption.