N-Glycolylneuraminic acid is primarily used in research related to immunology and glycobiology. It is studied for its role in cell surface interactions and as a potential marker for certain diseases. This compound is also significant in the development of vaccines and therapeutic antibodies, particularly in understanding immune responses to non-human sialic acids. Additionally, it is explored in cancer research due to its presence in tumor cells and its potential as a target for immunotherapy. Its applications extend to the study of microbial pathogenesis, where it helps in understanding how pathogens interact with host cells.