Galectins are a family of β-galactosides-binding proteins. They exist extensively in various animals. Galectins have been found to modulate important biological activities of cells such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, apoptosis, signaling and immune response through binding to glycoproteins on cell surface. Recently, galectins have been found to be associated with HIV-1 infection and apoptosis of HIV-1-infected cells. Some promote HIV-1 infection and others modulate apoptosis of HIV-1 infected cells. In this paper, we will review the progress of studies on association of galectins with HIV infection and apoptosis of HIV-1 infected cells.