CD1a plays a crucial role in the presentation of lipid antigens to T cells. Unlike MHC molecules that present peptide antigens, CD1a presents lipid and glycolipid antigens to T cells, particularly to a subset of T cells known as natural killer T (NKT) cells. This process is essential for the initiation and regulation of immune responses against pathogens, particularly those with a lipid-rich cell wall, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
