The aim of this review is to analyze the current state of our knowledge about cell surface molecules involved in glycolipid antigen presentation, named CD1 family. These proteins constitute a third class of antigen-presenting molecules. CD1 molecules develop diverse important immune functions in host defenses against microbial infections. In recent years these proteins have been involved in the generation of cell-mediated immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here, we analyze relevant roles of CD1 proteins and glycolipid antigen-specific T cells.