Putative adhesion molecule that mediates sialic-acid dependent binding to red blood cells (, ). Preferentially binds to alpha-2,3-linked sialic acid. Also binds to alpha-2,6-linked sialic acid. The sialic acid recognition site may be masked by cis interactions with sialic acids on the same cell surface . Recognizes simultaneously epitopes having a terminal N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid) and an underlying 6-O-sulfated galactose. Preferentially binds to Gal-6-sulfated sialyl-Lewis X glycan epitopes .
Subcellular locations: Membrane
Expressed specifically on red blood cells namely basophil, mast cells and eosinophils.