SIGLEC6 is a putative adhesion molecule that mediates sialic-acid dependent binding to cells by binding to alpha2,6-linked sialic acid. The sialic acid recognition site may be masked by cis interactions with sialic acids on the same cell surface. SIGLEC6, which interacts with LEP, is expressed at high levels in placenta (cyto-and syncytiotrophoblastic cells) and at lower levels in spleen, peripheral blood leukocytes (predominantly B-cells) and small intestine. It contains 1 copy of a cytoplasmic motif that is referred to as the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitor motif (ITIM). This motif is involved in downmodulation of cellular responses. The phosphorylated ITIM motif binds to the SH2 domain of PTPN6/SHP-1. The gene for SIGLEC6 belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily.