TIM-3 in Cardiovascular Disease

We summarise the current knowledge of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3) across innate and adaptive immune cells and compile emerging evidence in cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Immune checkpoints have come to light as potent regulators of immune responses in tumour biology, autoimmune disease and, more recently, in CVD. TIM-3 is a complex immune checkpoint expressed on both immune and non-immune cells. It has four known ligands, two of which are only available for binding upon cell damage or death, and binding can be either stimulatory or inhibitory. It functions as a context-dependent modulator of immune reactions in atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and myocarditis. TIM-3 may exert functions in the cardiovascular system, but more mechanistic research is required to investigate whether interference with TIM-3 signalling can be used to improve cardiovascular health.