The Tim-3 ligand galectin-9 negatively regulates T helper type 1 immunity.
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Zhu C, Anderson AC, Schubart A, Xiong H, Imitola J, Khoury SJ, Zheng XX, Strom TB, Kuchroo VK
The Tim-3 ligand galectin-9 negatively regulates T helper type 1 immunity.
Nat Immunol. 2005 Dec;6(12):1245-52. Epub 2005 Nov 13.
- PubMed ID
- 16286920 [ View in PubMed]
- Abstract
Tim-3 is a T helper type 1 (T(H)1)-specific cell surface molecule that seems to regulate T(H)1 responses and the induction of peripheral tolerance. However, the identity of the Tim-3 ligand and the mechanism by which this ligand inhibits the function of effector T(H)1 cells remain unknown. Here we show that galectin-9 is the Tim-3 ligand. Galectin-9-induced intracellular calcium flux, aggregation and death of T(H)1 cells were Tim-3-dependent in vitro, and administration of galectin-9 in vivo resulted in selective loss of interferon-gamma-producing cells and suppression of T(H)1 autoimmunity. These data suggest that the Tim-3-galectin-9 pathway may have evolved to ensure effective termination of effector T(H)1 cells.