Effect of Echinococcus multilocularis infection on Tim3 expression in spleen natural killer cells of mice / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of Echinococcus multilocularis infection on Tim3 expression and its co-expression with immune checkpoint molecules 2B4 and LAG3 in spleen natural killer (NK) cells of mice.@*METHODS@#C57BL/6 mice, each weighing (20 ± 2) g, were randomly divided into a high-dose infection group (15 mice), a low-dose infection group (13 mice), and a control group (11 mice). Mice in the high- and low-dose infection groups were inoculated with 2 000 and 50 Echinococcus multilocularis protoscolices via the hepatic portal vein, while animals in the control group was injected with an equivalent amount of physiological saline via the hepatic portal vein. Mouse spleen cells were harvested 12 and 24 weeks post-infection, and Tim3 expression and its co-expression with 2B4 and LAG3 in NK cells were detected using flow cytometry.@*RESULTS@#There were significant differences in the proportions of Tim3 expression (F = 13.559, P < 0.001) and Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression (F = 12.465, P < 0.001) in mouse spleen NK cells among groups 12 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis, and the proportion of Tim3 expression was significantly higher in mouse spleen NK cells in the low-dose infection group [(23.84 ± 2.28)%] than in the high-dose infection group [(15.72 ± 3.67)%] and the control group [(16.14 ± 3.83)%] (both P values < 0.01), while the proportion of Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression was significantly higher in mouse spleen NK cells in the low-dose infection group [(22.20 ± 2.13)%] than in the high-dose infection group [(14.17 ± 3.81)%] and the control group [(15.20 ± 3.77)%] (both P values < 0.01). There were significant differences in the proportions of Tim3 expression (F = 5.243, P < 0.05) and Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression (F = 4.659, P < 0.05) in mouse spleen NK cells among groups 24 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis infection, and the proportions of Tim3 expression and Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression were significantly lower in mouse spleen NK cells in the high-dose infection group [(20.55 ± 7.04)% and (20.98 ± 7.12)%] than in the control group [(31.38 ± 3.19)% and (31.25 ± 3.06)%] (both P values < 0.05), and there were no significantly difference between the proportions of Tim3 expression and Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression in splenic NK cells in the low-dose infection group [(26.80 ± 6.47)% and (26.48 ± 6.48)%] and the control group (both P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the proportions of Tim3 and LAG3 co-expression in mouse spleen NK cells among groups 12 (F = 2.283, P > 0.05) and 24 weeks post-infection (F = 0.375, P > 0.05). In the low-dose infection group, there were no significant differences in the proportions of Tim3 expression or Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression in mouse spleen NK cells 12 (t = -1.137, P > 0.05) or 24 weeks post-infection (t = -1.658, P > 0.05), and the proportion of Tim3 and LAG3 co-expression increased in mouse spleen NK cells 24 weeks post-infection relative to 12 weeks post-infection (t = -5.261, P < 0.01). In the highdose infection group, there was no significant difference in the proportion of Tim3 expression in mouse spleen NK cells 12 and 24 weeks post-infection (t = -1.546, P > 0.05); however, the proportions of Tim3 co-expression with 2B4 and LAG3 increased in mouse splenic NK cells 24 weeks post-infection relative to 12 weeks post-infection (t = -2.425 and -4.745, both P values < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The Tim3 expression and Tim3 co-expression with LAG3 and 2B4 on spleen NK cells is affected by doses of E. multilocularis infection and disease stages, and present different phenotypes during the course of alveolar echinococcosis. NK cells tend to form an immunosuppressive phenotype with the progression of E. multilocularis infection, which facilitates immune escape and chronic parasitism of E. multilocularis.

Significance of Tim-3 and Its Ligand Galectin-9 in Th1/Th2 Imbalance in Patients with Multiple Myeloma / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the significance of Tim-3 and Galectin-9 in Th1/Th2 imbalance in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).@*METHODS@#55 newly diagnosed MM patients and 20 healthy controls were included. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of Tim-3 on CD4+T cells, the proportion of Th1, Th2, Tim-3+Th1 and Tim-3+Th2 cells in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to detect the levels of cytokines IFN-γ and IL-4 in serum, and PCR was used to detect the level of Galectin-9 mRNA. Then the correlations between Galectin-9 mRNA expression and Th-cell subsets and related cytokine levels, as well as the relationship between Tim-3+Th1/Tim-3+Th2 ratio and corresponding clinical features were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the expression of Tim-3 on CD4+T cells in peripheral blood of MM patients was significantly increased (P<0.05), the proportions of Tim-3+Th1 cells, Tim-3+Th2 cells and Tim-3+Th1/Tim-3+Th2 ratio in MM patients were also increased (P<0.05), while the proportion of Th1 cells and Th1/Th2 ratio in MM patients were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The level of cytokine IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio in MM patients were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the level of cytokine IL-4 was increased (P<0.05). The mRNA levels of Galectin-9 in MM patients were significantly increased (P<0.05). The levels of Galectin-9 mRNA were positively correlated with Tim-3+CD4+T cells (r=0.663), Tim-3+Th2 cells (r=0.492) and IL-4 (r=0.470), while negatively correlated with IFN-γ (r=-0.593). The ratios of Tim-3+Th1/Tim-3+Th2 in MM patients were positively correlated with ISS stage (r=0.511), osteolytic damage (r=0.556) and chromosome abnormality (r=0.632).@*CONCLUSION@#These results suggest that Tim-3 and Galectin-9 are involved in Th1/Th2 imbalance in MM patients, and the high ratio of Tim-3+Th1/Tim-3+Th2 is associated with poor clinical prognosis.

The level of Tim-3+CD8+ T cells can serve as a potential marker for evaluating the severity of acute graft-versus-host disease after haplo-PBSCT

Early and accurate diagnosis of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is crucial for the prognosis of patients. This study identified a potential biomarker for the severity of aGVHD after human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-PBSCT). We included 20 healthy subjects and 57 patients who underwent haplo-PBSCT. Of these patients, 22 developed aGVHD after haplo-PBSCT. The results showed that patients with aGVHD had significantly increased levels of Tim-3+/Perforin+/Granzyme B+CD8+ T cells, but significantly decreased Galectin-9. The differences in Galectin-9 and Tim-3+/Granzyme B+CD8+ T cells between grade I-II aGVHD and III-IV aGVHD were also significant. In vitro, the apoptosis of CD8+ T cells from aGVHD patients was significantly increased after Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway activation, which decreased Granzyme B secretion. As revealed by univariate analysis, the level of Tim-3+CD8+ T cells was a risk factor for severe aGVHD. ROC analysis demonstrated that high levels of Tim-3+CD8+ T cells had a significant diagnostic value for severe aGVHD, with an area under the curve of 0.854 and cut-off value of 14.155%. In conclusion, the binding of Tim-3 with exogenous Galectin-9 can promote apoptosis of CD8+ T cells and affect the secretion of Granzyme B. Tim-3+CD8+ T cells have the potential to serve as immunological markers for assessing the severity of aGVHD after haplo-PBSCT and identifying patients at a higher risk for severe aGVHD.

TIM-3 gene is highly expressed in ephithelial ovarian cancer to promote proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the expression of immunoglobulin mucin molecule 3 (TIM-3) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and the effects of TIM-3 knockdown and overexpression on proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells.@*METHODS@#We analyzed TIM-3 expression in EOC and normal ovarian tissues using GEPIA database. We also detected TIM-3 expression levels in 82 surgical specimens of EOC and 18 specimens of normal ovarian tissues using immunohistochemistry, and analyzed the correlation of TIM-3 expression with clinicopathological parameters and survival outcomes of the patients. The expression of TIM-3 and Wnt1 mRNA in the tissues were detected using qRT-PCR. We constructed SKOV3 cell models of TIM-3 knockdown and overexpression and examined the changes in proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of the cells using MTT assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, scratch test and Transwell assay. The activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the transfected was detected using dual luciferase reporter assay, and the mRNA levels of TCF-7, TCCFL-2 and CD44 were detected using qPCR. The protein expressions of MMP-9, CD44, Wnt1, β-catenin and E-cad in the transfected cells were detected with Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#The positive expression rate of TIM-3 was significantly higher in EOC tissues than in normal ovarian tissues (P < 0.05). The expression of TIM-3 was significantly correlated with FIGO stage, histological differentiation and lymph node metastasis, and was positively correlated with Wnt1 level (P < 0.05). In SKOV3 cells, TIM-3 knockdown significantly lowered the activity of Wnt/ β-catenin pathway, inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. TIM-3 knockdown significantly down-regulated the mRNA levels of TCF-7, TCFL-2 and CD44 and the protein levels of MMP-9, CD44, Wnt1 and β-catenin, and significantly up-regulated the expression level of E-cad (P < 0.05). Overexpression of TIM-3 caused opposite effects in SKOV3 cells.@*CONCLUSION@#TIM-3 is highly expressed in EOC tissue to promote malignant behaviors of the tumor cells possibly by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.

Co-delivery of Tim-3 mAb and sorafenib enhanced chemoimmunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma using "responsive shell-peeling" mesoporous silica nanoparticles / 药学学报

Chemoimmunotherapy has attracted much attention as an emerging therapy pattern for the treatment of cancers. Exploring effective drug combination schemes and reasonable delivery methods remained the key issue in current research. Herein, we designed sorafenib (SF) and anti-Tim-3 monoclonal antibody (Tim-3 mAb) co-loaded MMP2-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (ST-MSNs) for combined chemoimmunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The shell of ST-MSNs was fabricated by Tim-3 mAb through matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) sensitive peptides as "gatekeepers" to prevent drug release during the blood circulation. In tumor microenvironment, the high levels of MMP2 caused the responsive shedding of Tim-3 mAb, leading to the triggerred release of SF and Tim-3 mAb. Then, SF could be delivered to tumor cells and Tim-3 mAb could be delivered to T cells, respectively. In vivo tumor inhibition study results demonstrated that ST-MSNs can significantly enhance synergistic antitumor activity compared with sequential administration of free SF solution and Tim-3 mAb solution. Meanwhile, the expression of antitumor cytokines IFN-γ, IL-12 and the percentage of CD3+CD4+ cells, CD3+CD8+ cells in tumors were upregulated after the administration of ST-MSNs, demonstrating good immunomodulatory ability. In addition, within the dosage range, the ST-MSNs had low cytotoxicity and hemolysis, and no obvious tissue toxicity was observed. All animal experiments were performed in line with national regulations and approved by the Animal Experiments Ethical Committee of Shandong University. In conclusion, this study provided a promising drug combination of chemoimmunotherapy with good application prospects for clinical HCC treatment, and exhibited a potential drug carrier for clinical chemoimmunotherapy.

Diagnostic value of serum TIM-3 in patients with liver cancer / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To analyze the changes of T cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing molecule-3 (TIM-3) in serum of patients with liver cancer and its diagnostic value.Methods:From March 2021 to May 2021, 37 patients with viral hepatitis type B (hepatitis B group) , 44 patients with liver cirrhosis (liver cirrhosis group) and 27 patients with liver cancer (liver cancer group) were selected in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, and 35 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the healthy control group. The serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) , liver function indexes and TIM-3 levels were detected, and the differences among groups were analyzed. The correlations between TIM-3 and AFP and liver function indexes were analyzed by Spearman correlation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of TIM-3 in liver cancer.Results:There was a statistically significant difference in AFP among the hepatitis B group, liver cirrhosis group and liver cancer group ( χ2=11.75, P=0.003) . There were statistically significant differences in total bilirubin ( χ2=22.85, P<0.001) , direct bilirubin ( χ2=25.90, P<0.001) , indirect bilirubin ( χ2=19.92, P<0.001) , alanine aminotransferase ( χ2=36.64, P<0.001) , aspertate aminotransferase ( χ2=26.26, P<0.001) , aspertate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ( χ2=34.67, P<0.001) and total bile acid ( χ2=13.10, P<0.001) among the hepatitis B group, liver cirrhosis group and liver cancer group. The serum levels of TIM-3 in the healthy control group, hepatitis B group, liver cirrhosis group and liver cancer group were 11.1 (4.2, 14.4) ng/ml, 12.7 (4.3, 23.9) ng/ml, 11.4 (3.4, 17.0) ng/ml and 15.7 (10.5, 21.2) ng/ml, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=11.85, P=0.008) . There were statistically significant differences between the liver cancer group and healthy control group and liver cirrhosis group (both P<0.05) . Spearman correlation analysis showed that TIM-3 had no correlation with AFP in the four groups ( r=0.05, P=0.791; r=0.18, P=0.497; r=0.03, P=0.883; r=0.24, P=0.396) . There were correlations between serum TIM-3 and total protein in the healthy control group ( r=0.36, P=0.036) , serum TIM-3 and globulin in the hepatitis B group ( r=0.35, P=0.034) , and serum TIM-3 and total bile acid in the liver cancer group ( r=0.46, P=0.017) . ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity of serum TIM-3 for the diagnosis of liver cancer was 48.10%, and the specificity was 91.43%, when taking healthy subjects as the control group. The sensitivity of serum TIM-3 for the diagnosis of liver cancer was 96.30%, and the specificity was 41.77%, when taking healthy subjects and liver cirrhosis patients as the control group. The sensitivity of serum TIM-3 for the diagnosis of liver cancer was 96.30%, and the specificity was 40.52%, when taking healthy subjects, hepatitis B patients and liver cirrhosis patients as the control group. Conclusion:The serum level of TIM-3 in patients with liver cancer is significantly increased, which has certain diagnostic value for liver cancer, and can be used as a diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target for liver cancer patients.

Modulatory effect of Tim-3/Galectin-9 axis on T-cell-mediated immunity in pulmonary tuberculosis

Patients affected by pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) manifest deficiencies in innate cellular immunity. The Tim3/Galectin-9 axis is an important regulator of Th1 cell immunity, leading to Th1 cell apoptosis. Herein, thisstudy aims to clarify the underlying roles of the Tim-3/Galectin-9 axis in T-cell immunity in PTB. Peripheralblood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted from subjects with and without PTB to examine theexpression of CD4, CD8, CD25, and Tim-3 under the stimulation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) andpurified protein derivative (PPD). In addition, the expression of Tim-3 and Galectin-9 in PBMCs was determined. The Tim-3/Galectin-9 axis in the PBMCs was activated or blocked to detect the secreted levels of IFNc, TNF-a, IL-2, and IL-22. MTB stimulation increased the expression of CD4, CD8, CD25, Tim-3, andGalectin-9 in PBMCs. The blockade of Tim-3/Galectin-9 axis resulted in reduced secretion of IFN-c, TNF-a,IL-2, and IL-22 from T-cells. Moreover, Tim-3?CD4?T, Tim-3?CD8?, and Tim-3?CD25?T cells exhibited agreater ability to inhibit the replication of MTB in macrophages. Taken conjointly, the blockade of Tim-3/Galectin-9 axis inhibits the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in T-cells to regulate the T-cell immunity inPTB.

Osteosarcoma-derived exosomes induces M2 polarization of macrophages and promotes metastasis of MG63 cells through Tim-3 / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[Abstract] Objective: To investigate the effect of exosomes derived from osteosarcoma on the differentiation of tumor-related macrophages and its mechanism. Methods: From March 2018 to October 2019, tumor tissues and corresponding normal tissues from 18 patients with primary osteosarcoma who underwent osteosarcoma resection and pathological diagnosis in the Departments of Orthopedics and Pediatric Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College were collected. The expression level of Tim-3 was detected by Western blotting; Exosomes of osteosarcoma MG63 cells (MG63-Exo) were isolated and identified by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle size analysis, and its phagocytosis by macrophages was verified by Dual fluorescent staining; The effects of MG63-Exo on macrophage differentiation and the expression levels of IL-10, TGF-β and VEGF were detected by qPCR; The effects of MG63-Exo induced macrophages on the migration and invasion of MG63 cells and the expression of EMT related proteins were detected by Transwell invasion and migration assay and Western blotting; CRISPR/cas9 was used to knock out Tim-3 in MG63 cells, and its knockout efficiency was verified by Western blotting, and then qPCR, transwell assay and Western blotting were used to detect the effect of MG63-Exo with Tim-3 knock-out on macrophage differentiation, as well as migration, invasion and expression of EMT related proteins in MG63 cells; Finally, the mouse model of osteosarcoma lung metastasis was used to verify the effect of exosomes from different sources on the lung metastasis of osteosarcoma. Results: Transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle size assay confirmed that MG63-Exo were successfully isolated, and Confocal fluorescence results confirmed that it could be phagocytized by macrophages; qPCR results showed that MG63-Exo significantly promoted M2 differentiation of macrophages compared with PBS (P<0.05); Compared with PBS control group, M2 macrophages induced by MG63-Exo significantly promoted the migration, invasion and EMT of osteosarcoma cells (all P<0.05); The mRNA and protein expressions of Tim-3 in the MG63 cells knocked out by CRISPR/cas9 (Tim-3-KO) were significantly reduced (all P<0.05), and Tim-3 could be transferred into macrophages in the form of exosomes; Compared with MG63-Exo co-cultured macrophages, the M2 type differentiation of macrophages treated with Tim-3-KO-exo was significantly decreased (P<0.05); Compared with the MG63 cells co-cultured with macrophages induced by MG63-Exo, the migration, invasion and EMT were significantly reduced while the lung metastasis was significantly promoted in MG63 cells co-cultured with macrophages induced by Tim-3-KO-Exo (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Exosomes derived from osteosarcoma can induce M2 polarization of macrophages through Tim-3 and promote the invasion and metastasis of tumor.

Analysis of Tim-3/Gal-9 expression and T cell infiltration in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective • To detect T cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (Tim-3) and galectin 9 (Gal-9) expression as well as CD3+ T cells and CD8+ T cells infiltration in the tumor tissues of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG), and analyze their correlations with the patients' clinical characteristics and survival prognosis. Methods • A retrospective case study was used to collect clinical data and follow-up data of 116 AEG patients who were admitted to Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from Dec. 2005 to Dec. 2013. Tim-3, Gal-9, CD3, and CD8 protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry in the tumor tissues, and the clinical characteristics and prognosis were compared among the patients with different levels of protein expression and T cells infiltration. Results • The results of immunohistochemistry showed that Tim-3 mainly expressed in the infiltrating immune cells, and Gal-9 mainly expressed in the tumor cells. The analysis on the clinical characteristics revealed that Tim-3 expression level was related to the Siewert classification (P=0.030) and CD8+ T cells infiltration level was related to the tumor TNM stage (P=0.042). The results of survival analysis showed that the patients with high level of CD8+ T cells infiltration had a better survival prognosis (P=0.047). However, there was no difference in the prognosis among the patients with different Tim-3 and/or Gal-9 expression levels or with different CD3+ T cell infiltration levels. Conclusion • AEG patients with high level of CD8+ T cells infiltration usually have earlier TNM stages and better prognosis. There is no significant difference in the prognosis of AEG patients with different Tim-3/Gal-9 expression levels.

Tim-3 expression on T cell surface in patients with esophageal cancer and its clinical significance / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# Objective: To investigate the expression of Tim-3 on the surface of T cells in patients with esophageal cancer, and to explore its clinical significance. Methods: Fresh tumor tissues, paracancerous tissues, and peripheral blood were collected from 25 patients with esophageal cancer at the first affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2016 to April 2018. Peripheral blood from 10 healthy subjects was also collected during the same time period. The expressions of Tim-3, early apoptotic molecules and intrinsic factors in tumor tissues and peripheral blood PBMCs of 25 esophageal cancer patients were determined by flow cytometry. Also, the correlation between Tim-3+ T cell proportion and pathological parameters was investigated. The expression of Tim-3 in tumor tissues and paracancerous tissues was detected by fluorescence quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). TCGA database was used to further verify the expression of Tim-3 in tumor tissues and paracancerous tissues, as well as its relationship with prognosis. Results: Tim-3 expression on T cells was higher in tumor tissues from esophageal cancer patients (P<0.01). Tim-3+ T cell function was in an exhausted status(P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the expression of Tim-3 on the surface of T cells in esophageal cancer microenvironment was closely related to lymph node metastasis and clinical staging (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Taken together, Tim3 expression on the surface of T cells could induce T cell dysfunction in patients with esophageal cancer, suggesting that Tim-3 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for esophageal cancer.

Preparation of human peripheral blood T lymphocytes with TIM3 gene knockout and its anti-tumor efficacy / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#Objective: To prepare human peripheral blood T lymphocytes with TIM3 (T cell immunologlobulin and mucin-3) gene knockout by using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technique and plasmid electrotransfection system, and to discuss whether the knockout of TIM3 gene could enhance the immune response and anti-tumor efficacy of T cells. Methods: Double plasmids hTIM3 sgRNA/Cas9 were transfected into human peripheral blood T lymphocytes of EBV positive gastric cancer patients by using electrotransfection system. The transfection efficiency was examined 24 h later by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope. The proliferation activity of the T cells after gene knockout was observed during in vitro culture, and the knockout efficiency and phenotypes of the modified T cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Furthermore, tumor antigen peptide was used to activate T cells, and the level of modified T cells secreting cytokines and its cytotoxicity against gastric cancer AGS-EBV cells were evaluated. Results: Electrotransfection system could successfully transfect hTIM3 sgRNA/Cas9 double plasmids into human peripheral blood T lymphocytes with an average transfection efficiency of (41.5±3.6)%, and the gene knockout efficiency fluctuated between 40.0% and 50.0% (all P<0.01). The proliferation of the modified T cells was not significantly changed in the TIM3 gene knockout group even after the prolonged co-culturing with tumor antigenic peptide;and for the activated molecules, only HLA-DR exhibited significant elevation as compared with control group (P<0.05). Remarkably, T cells with TIM3 gene knockout showed significantly elevated secretion of TNF-α and IFN-γ (P<0.01 or P<0.05), as well as obviously enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity against gastric cancer AGS-EBV cells (P<0.05). Conclusion: It’s simple and feasible of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technique and plasmid electrotransfection system to prepare T lymphocytes with engineered TIM3 gene knockout. The expression level of TIM3 was down-regulated in in vitro culture. More importantly, the modified T cells performed superior immune response and cytotoxicity, which may provide a new idea for gene engineering cell immunotherapy.

Expression of Tim-3 on natural killer cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and its clinical significance / 中华血液学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the expression characteristics of Tim-3 on natural killer (NK) cells of peripheral blood in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its clinical significance.@*Methods@#Peripheral blood was obtained from 39 patients with newly diagnosed AML before intervention, with peripheral blood from 28 cases of healthy volunteers collected as normal control. Using CD3, CD56 and Tim-3 as markers, expression levels of Tim-3 on the peripheral blood NK cells were detected by immune fluorescence labeling and flow cytometry.@*Results@#The ratio of the peripheral blood CD3-CD56+ NK cells in newly diagnosed AML patients (5.74±5.31) %decreased significantly, compared with the normal control (12.55±6.33) % (t=4.596, P<0.001) . Tim-3 expression on the peripheral blood NK cells in newly diagnosed AML patients (42.67±19.08) % decreased significantly, compared with the normal control group (60.99±20.69) % (t=3.781, P<0.001) . CD3-CD56+NK cell ratio of peripheral blood in AML patients was significantly correlated with Chromosome karyotype (t=2.915, P<0.005) . Expression level of Tim-3 on NK cells in the peripheral blood of AML patients had significant correlation with ratio of CR and NCCN high risk group (P<0.05) .@*Conclusion@#The rate of NK cells in peripheral blood and the expression level of Tim-3 on NK cells in AML patients decreased significantly.The lower expression level of Tim-3 on NK cells correlate with prognosis of AML.

Expression of TIM-3 in PBMCs and its relation to treg in the patients with allergic rhinitis / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To detect the expression of TIM-3 (T cell immunoglobulin domain, mucin domain) and its relationship with Treg (regulatory T) cells isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), and investigate the role of TIM-3 in the occurrence and development of the allergic rhinitis inflammation. Methods AR patients (AR group, n=30) and healthy subjects (HC group, n=25) were selected as experimental group and control group respectively, and 2 ml peripheral venous bloods were collected from these two groups. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from the blood by density gradient centrifugation. The proportion of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+, reflecting expression of Treg, and TIM-3+Treg was detected by flow cytometry. The relationship between TIM-3 expression and Treg cells was analyzed. The expression of TIM-3 on the surface of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Then the TIM-3 expression was blocked, and its influence on Treg cells was observed. Results The percentage of Treg cells in peripheral blood of patients with AR (1.16%±0.13%) was lower than that of healthy controls (5.12%±0.11%) (Z=–6.339, P<0.01). The expression of TIM-3 on the surface of Treg cells in AR patients (11.76%±1.07%) was higher than that in healthy controls (3.15%±0.22%) (Z=–5.570, P<0.01). The expression of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+Treg cells in AR patients was negatively correlated with the expression of TIM-3 on the surface (r=–0.763, P<0.05); The percentage of Treg cells in peripheral blood of AR patients after the block (1.67%±0.76%) was significantly higher than that before block (1.44%±0.78%) (Z=–1.45, P=0.135). The percentage of IL-10 secreted by Treg cells in peripheral blood after block (2.33%±1.45%) was higher than that before block (1.57%±1.12%) (Z=–2.97, P=0.003) in AR patients. Conclusion The expression of TIM-3 in PBMCs may increase in patients with AR, TIM-3 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AR, and may be related to the imbalance of Treg cells.

Expression of Tim-3 on natural killer cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and its clinical significance / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To investigate the expression characteristics of Tim-3 on natural killer (NK) cells of peripheral blood in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its clinical significance. Methods: Peripheral blood was obtained from 39 patients with newly diagnosed AML before intervention, with peripheral blood from 28 cases of healthy volunteers collected as normal control. Using CD3, CD56 and Tim-3 as markers, expression levels of Tim-3 on the peripheral blood NK cells were detected by immune fluorescence labeling and flow cytometry. Results: The ratio of the peripheral blood CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cells in newly diagnosed AML patients (5.74±5.31) %decreased significantly, compared with the normal control (12.55±6.33) % (t=4.596, P<0.001) . Tim-3 expression on the peripheral blood NK cells in newly diagnosed AML patients (42.67±19.08) % decreased significantly, compared with the normal control group (60.99±20.69) % (t=3.781, P<0.001) . CD3(-)CD56(+)NK cell ratio of peripheral blood in AML patients was significantly correlated with Chromosome karyotype (t=2.915, P<0.005) . Expression level of Tim-3 on NK cells in the peripheral blood of AML patients had significant correlation with ratio of CR and NCCN high risk group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The rate of NK cells in peripheral blood and the expression level of Tim-3 on NK cells in AML patients decreased significantly.The lower expression level of Tim-3 on NK cells correlate with prognosis of AML.

Tim-3 promoted renal ischemia/reperfusion injury through regulating mononuclear phagocyte system function / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of Tim-3 on the renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI),and explore the role of monocyte-macrophage cell system.Methods Totally 72 C57BL/ 6 mice were randomly divided into four groups (n =18 each).(1) IR + Tim-3 rnAb group (experimental group):Each mouse was intraperitoneally injected with 200μg of anti-Tim-3 mAb and the IR model of mouse kidney was established after 1 day;(2) IR + IgG monoclonal antibody group (negative control group):each mouse was intraperitoneally injected with anti-IgG mAb (200 μg) and the IR model of mouse kidney was established after 1 day;(3) IR group:mouse kidney IR model was established only;(4) Control group:mouse kidney IR model was not established.At 6,24 and 48 h after IR respectively,venous blood of 6 mice in each group was taken from the infrarenal vein.Scr and CystinC were detected and PAS staining was used to observe the pathological change of renal tissues.Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining.Pax,bcl-2 and caspase-3 expression in renal tissue was detected by Western blotting.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the distribution of Tim-3 and activated macrophage cells.Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to evaluate the level of Tim-3 and inflammatory cytokines secretion respectively.Results Compared with control group,the Tim-3 expression was dramatically increased in IR group and I/R + Tim-3 mAb group.The serum Scr and CystinC levels were increased in IR group,and Tim-3 blocking decreased the levels of serum Scr and CystinC (P＜0.05).PAS and TUNEL staining showed that renal injury score and apoptotic index were higher in IR group than those in control group.Tim-3mAb significantly decreased those markers,and ameliorated the renal tubulointerstitial injury induced by IRk The expression levels of Caspase-3 and Bax/bcl-2 was increased in IR group,but deceased by Tim-3mAb.IR induced F4/80 + distribution and inflammatory cytokines secretion in renal tubular interstitial tissues,while Tim-3mAb down-regulated F4/80 + activation and the levels of inflammatory cytokines.Conclusion The findings demonstrated Tim-3 may promoted renal IRI through regulating mononuclear phagocyte system function.

Promotion of immune response by soluble Tim-3 in vitro and therapeutic potential / 军事医学

Objective To evaluate the role of recombinant human soluble Tim-3 (hTim-3-Fc) in regulating immune response.Methods Soluble hTim-3 was incubated with human macrophage cell line U 937, human T cell line Jurkat and normal human PBMC before cytokines secreted by or expressed in different immune cells were analyzed using ELISA , RT-PCR and Western-blotting, respectively.Results Soluble hTim-3 significantly promoted the activation of different immune cells.Our data showed that IL-8 secretion by U937 cells, IL-2 secretion by Jurkat cells , IL-2 and IFN-γsecretion by human PBMCs were all significantly increased .In addition , soluble hTim-3 significantly increased the IFN-α2 and IFN-β1 mRNA expression in U937, Jurkat and PBMCs and increased the phosphorylation of stat-1 in Jurkat and U937 cells.Conclusion Recombinant soluble hTim-3 can significantly promote the activation of immune cells in vitro, which shows its therapeutic potential .

Expressions of Tim-3 and CD4+and CD8+T cells in peripheral blood from patients with coronary heart dis-ease / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the expressions of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain contain-ing moleculesfamily-3(Tim-3)and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood from patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods 51 CHD patients were divided into two groups:stable angina pectoris group (27 patients)and acute coronary syndromes group(24 patients). Another 25 healthy subjects confirmed by coronary angiography were selected as a control group. Peripheral blood was drawn on admission. Enzyme-linked immunosor-bent assay was used to detect the concentration of Tim-3. Flow cytometry was applied to detect the expressions of CD4+and CD8+. Results As compared with the healthy control group ,the concentration of Tim-3 and the propor-tion of CD8+ in stable angina pectoris group and acute coronary syndrome group were reduced ,and those in acute coronary syndrome group were lower. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). As compared with the healthy control group,the proportion of CD4+ and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ of stable angina pectoris group and acute coronary syndrome group were increased ,while those in acute coronary syndrome group were higher. The differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusions At the onset of CHD,the concentration of Tim-3 and the proportion of CD8+ in peripheral blood are reduced ,but the proportion of CD4+ is increased. The more severe the disease,the greater changes the values.

Expressions of Tim-3 and CD4+and CD8+T cells in peripheral blood from patients with coronary heart dis-ease / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the expressions of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain contain-ing moleculesfamily-3(Tim-3)and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood from patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods 51 CHD patients were divided into two groups:stable angina pectoris group (27 patients)and acute coronary syndromes group(24 patients). Another 25 healthy subjects confirmed by coronary angiography were selected as a control group. Peripheral blood was drawn on admission. Enzyme-linked immunosor-bent assay was used to detect the concentration of Tim-3. Flow cytometry was applied to detect the expressions of CD4+and CD8+. Results As compared with the healthy control group ,the concentration of Tim-3 and the propor-tion of CD8+ in stable angina pectoris group and acute coronary syndrome group were reduced ,and those in acute coronary syndrome group were lower. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). As compared with the healthy control group,the proportion of CD4+ and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ of stable angina pectoris group and acute coronary syndrome group were increased ,while those in acute coronary syndrome group were higher. The differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusions At the onset of CHD,the concentration of Tim-3 and the proportion of CD8+ in peripheral blood are reduced ,but the proportion of CD4+ is increased. The more severe the disease,the greater changes the values.

Expression of Tim-3 in PBMC from Patients with T1DM and Its Clinical Significance / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To explore the expression of T cell immunoglobulin mucin domain containing molecules 3(Tim-3)and its function in the type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM).Methods Flow cytometry was performed to measure the ratio of Tim-3+cells in 32 patients with T1DM and 26 healthy controls.The expression of Tim-3 in the peripheral blood monomuclear cells(PBMCs)was detected by real-time qPCR,and levels of HbA1C,ICA and GAD65 were also recorded.Results The ra-tio of Tim-3+ cells in patients with T1DM was significantly higher than that in healthy controls(P<0.01).The expression of Tim-3 mRNA in PBMCs from T1DM patients was also increased.Moreover,the level of Tim-3 mRNA was positively cor-related with GAD65,but it had no association to HbA1C and ICA.Furthermore,the ratio of Tim-3+ cells was positively correlated with HbA1C and GAD65,and no relationship was observed between Tim-3+ cells and ICA.Conclusion Tim-3 is highly expressed in the T1DM patients and is related to clinical symptoms,indicating Tim-3 might play a role during the oc-currence and development of T1DM.

Research on relationship between CD244 and phenotype and function of CD56bright NK cells of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between CD244 and the phenotype and function of CD56bright NK cells of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis.Methods: PBMCs were isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation.The expression of CD244,CD94,NKG2D on the CD56bright NK cells from the active pulmonary tuberculosis patients and healthy controls was detected by flow cytometry.And then analyzed the relationship of the expression of CD244 with Tim3,CD27,CD62L,CCR7,IFN-γ and CD107a in CD56bright NK cells by flow cytometry.Results: The expression of CD244 on the CD56bright NK cells showed no significant difference between the patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis and healthy controls without MTB antigen.The expression of CD244 was significantly increased on CD56bright NK cells of patients with tuberculosis stimulated with MTB antigen.The expression of CD94 and NKG2D on CD56bright NK cells showed no difference between patients and healthy controls.The proportion of Tim3+ cells in CD244+CD56bright NK cells was significantly higher than CD244-CD56bright NK cells.While the expression of CD62L and IFN-γ decreased significantly in CD244+CD56bright NK cells.The expression of CD107a on CD56bright NK cells was not significantly different between CD244+ cells and CD244-cells.Conclusion: The expression of CD244 on CD56bright NK cells in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis increased significantly,maybe inhibit IFN-γ co-work with Tim3.CD244 has nothing to do with degranulation of CD56bright NK cells.