Cell-Cell Interactions[edit]
The main function of glycolipids in the body is to serve as recognition sites for cell-cell interactions. The sugar moiety of the glycolipid will bind to a specific complementary carbohydrate or lectin, type of cell-surface protein, of a neighboring cell. The interaction of these cell surface markers initiates cellular responses that contribute to activities such as cell recognition, regulation, growth, and apoptosis.[7] Sphingolipidoses can be associated with defects in metabolism.
Immune Responses[edit]
An example of how glycolipids function within the body is the interaction between leukocytes and endothelial cells during inflammation. Selectins on the surface of Leukocytes and endothelial cells will bind to the carbohydrates attached to glycolipids to initiate the immune response. This binding allows for leukocytes to leave circulation and congregate near the site of inflammation. This is the initial binding mechanism, after which it is followed by expression of integrins which form stronger bonds and allow leukocytes to migrate toward the specific site of inflammation.[8] Glycolipipds are also responsible for other immune responses, notably the recognition of viruses within the body.
Blood types[edit]
Blood type are an example of how glycolipids on cell membranes mediate cell interactions with the surrounding environment. There are four different blood types present in humans (A, B, AB, O) that are determined by the sugar moiety attached to a specific glycolipid on blood cells. Blood type A individuals have an N-acetylgalactosamine sugar attachment as the main determining structure, blood type B has a galactose, and Blood type O has no extra addition to the oligosaccharide. Erythroctes have the specific glycolipid for that individuals blood type covering their surface (with AB individuals have both types of antigens). Antibodies are produced in the body and bind to a specific blood type’s glycolipids. Blood type A individuals produce antibodies that bind to the B antigen and so forth, so that any cells possessing the corresponding antigen will be targeted by the antibodies.[9]