TIM-3 as a new therapeutic target in systemic lupus erythematosus

T-cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing molecule-3 (TIM-3) was the first surface molecule that specifically identifies Th1 cells in both mice and human. Recently, identification of Galectin-9 as a ligand for TIM-3 has established the TIM-3–Galectin-9 pathway as an important regulator of Th1 immunity and tolerance induction. Many previous studies have demonstrated that TIM-3 influences chronic autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, association of TIM-3 polymorphisms with susceptibility to several autoimmune diseases has been identified. Recent work has explored the role of TIM-3 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and their results indicate that TIM-3 may represent a novel target for the treatment of SLE. In this review, we will discuss the TIM-3 pathway and the therapeutic potential of modulating the pathway in SLE.