[3][4][5] Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (SIGLECs) are a family of cell surface proteins belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily.

They mediate protein-carbohydrate interactions by selectively binding to different sialic acid moieties present on glycolipids and glycoproteins.

The encoded protein, upon tyrosine phosphorylation, has been shown to recruit the Src homology 2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatases SHP1 and SHP2.

It has been suggested that the protein is involved in the negative regulation of macrophage signaling by functioning as an inhibitory receptor.

[7] The research is being conducted to determine whether inactivation of the gene might deter its promotional effect upon the progression of human carcinoma.