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Updated: Jul 8, 2025
Multiplexed Immunofluorescence Analysis and Quantification of Intratumoral PD-1+ Tim-3+ CD8+ T Cells
Published on: February 8, 2018
Relationship between TIM3 Expression on Peripheral T Lymphocytes and Post-Stroke Depression
Qifen Mao1, Peng Zhang2, Weicui Qi3
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China.
Background:
T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3) is a regulatory molecule expressed on a variety of cell types, including CD3+ T cells. Few studies have been conducted to look into the correlation between TIM3 expression on peripheral T lymphocytes and post-stroke depression (PSD).
Objective:
To investigate the relationship between TIM3 expressions on peripheral T lymphocytes in PSD patients.
Methods:
Acute stroke patients without depression (NPSD) (n=65), PSD patients (n=23), and body mass index (BMI), age, and education-matched healthy controls (HC) (n=59) were enrolled. Using flow cytometry, TIM3 expression was examined in the peripheral CD3+ CD4+ and CD3+ CD8+ T lymphocytes. Evaluation of the depressive severity in PSD patients was assessed using a 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-17). We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18. We further assessed the relationships between TIM3 expression, serum cytokine levels, and the HAM-D-17 scores.
Results:
CD3+ CD4+ T cells reduced significantly in PSD patients compared with the NPSD patients and HC. Both NPSD patients and PSD patients had a significant increase in TIM3 expression in their peripheral CD3+ CD4+ T lymphocytes, compared with HC. In PSD patients, a higher frequency of peripheral CD3+ CD8+ T lymphocytes showed significant expression of TIM3 compared to NPSD patients and HC. High TIM3 level on peripheral CD3+ CD8+ T lymphocytes was positively associated with the HAM-D score.
Conclusion:
Patients with PSD exhibit immune dysfunction. TIM3 might contribute to the development and severity of PSD, making it a potential therapeutic target.
