The function of SIGLEC8 (sialic acid binding Ig like lectin 8, ENSG00000105366) is as follows. Putative adhesion molecule that mediates sialic-acid dependent binding to blood cells (PubMed:10625619, PubMed:10856141). 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 (PubMed:10625619). 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 (PubMed:27357658). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:10625619, ECO:0000269|PubMed:10856141, ECO:0000269|PubMed:27357658}.