Progress in research into the role of abnormal glycosylation modification in tumor immunity

•T cells are greatly affected by protein glycosylation.•Desialylation inhibits the function of CD22 and activate the function of the BCR during B cell activation.•Siglecs inhibit NK cell activation by binding to sialylated sugar chains. Selectins interact with their ligands to promote the immune function of NK cells. Galectins bind β-galactosidase to mediate the immune processes of NK cells.•Glycosylation modification is involved in the folding and packaging of MHC molecules on the surface of DCs.•The abnormal N-glycosylation of IgG causes changes in immunological characteristics.