Tim-2 regulates T helper type 2 responses and autoimmunity. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Identification of the T cell immunoglobulin mucin-domain containing (Tim) gene family introduced a new family of cell surface molecules that is involved in the regulation of immune responses. We previously demonstrated that Tim-3 is expressed on terminally differentiated T helper (Th)1 cells, and serves to regulate Th1 immune responses. Here, we describe the identification and function of Tim-2, a novel member of the Tim gene family. In contrast with Tim-3, we demonstrate that Tim-2 is expressed preferentially in differentiated Th2 cells. Blockade of the Tim-2/Tim-2 ligand interaction, by administration of soluble Tim-2 fusion protein (Tim-2 immunoglobulin [Ig]), results in T cell hyperproliferation and the production of Th2 cytokines. Administration of Tim-2 Ig during the induction phase reduces the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a Th1-mediated autoimmune disease model of multiple sclerosis. We propose that Tim-2, an orthologue of human Tim-1, is critical for the regulation of Th2 responses during autoimmune inflammation.

publication date

  • July 25, 2005

Research

keywords

  • Autoimmunity
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Th2 Cells

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC2213076

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 23744437449

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1084/jem.20050308

PubMed ID

  • 16043519

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 202

issue

  • 3