Methods related to tim 3, a th1-specific cell surface molecule, for activating antigen presenting cells

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for promoting or reducing T-cell trafficking to a target tissue. Also provided are compositions and methods useful for promoting or inhibiting antigen-presenting cell (APC) activation. The invention is related to discovery of functional characteristics of TIM-3, a molecule that is preferentially expressed on the surface of Th1 cells. The methods are useful for treating disorders including cancer, infectious disease, allergy, asthma, and autoimmune disease.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for reducing T-cell trafficking to a target tissue of a subject, comprising administering to the subject a TIM-3 ligand-binding molecule in an effective amount to reduce T-cell trafficking to a target tissue of the subject. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the TIM-3 ligand-binding molecule comprises at least one domain of an extracellular region of TIM-3. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one domain is an IgV domain. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the TIM-3 ligand-binding molecule is soluble TIM-3. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject is in need of treatment for an autoimmune disease of the target tissue. 
     
     
         6 . A method for treating or preventing asthma or allergy, comprising increasing activity or expression of TIM-3 in a T cell of a subject to treat or prevent asthma or allergy.