T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain receptor (TIM receptor)

The T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain receptor family (TIM) comprises cell-surface proteins with an N-terminal immunoglobulin-like domain and a mucin-like domain. They regulate immune responses by modulating T cell activity, recognizing phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cells, and serving as immune checkpoints (notably TIM-3). STRUCTURALLY, TIM family members are single-pass transmembrane glycoproteins with a conserved immunoglobulin V (IgV) domain and variable-length mucin domain. Biologically, these proteins participate in immune regulation, tolerance, and immunopathology; for example, TIM-3 is a negative immune regulator implicated in suppressing T cell function in cancer, while TIM-1 functions in allergy, infection, and kidney injury. Multiple therapeutic antibodies targeting TIM receptors, especially TIM-3, are in clinical development as anti-cancer agents via immunomodulation.

Other names

TIM familyT-cell immunoglobulin mucin (TIM) familyTIM-1TIM-2TIM-3TIM-4Hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 1 (HAVCR1; TIM-1)Hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 2 (HAVCR2; TIM-3)Kin of IRM (KIM-1; for TIM-1)

Immune checkpoint inhibition (antibodies block TIM-3 function to reverse T cell exhaustion and promote anti-tumor immunity); Modulation of T cell responses/inhibition of immunosuppression