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 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . 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. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the TIM-3 ligand-binding molecule comprises an extracellular region of TIM-3. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the TIM-3 ligand-binding molecule is soluble TIM-3. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the soluble TIM-3 is a fusion protein comprising an extracellular region of TIM-3 and a constant heavy chain or portion thereof of an immunoglobulin. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the subject is in need of treatment for an autoimmune disease of the target tissue. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the target tissue is selected from the group consisting of: central nervous system, pancreatic islets, and joint synovia. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the autoimmune disease is selected from the group consisting of: multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and rheumatoid arthritis. 
     
     
         33 . A method for treating or preventing asthma or allergy, comprising increasing activity or expression or TIM-3 in a T cell of a subject to treat or prevent asthma or allergy. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the T cell is a Th2 cell. 
     
     
         35 . A method for treating a Th2-mediated disorder in a subject, comprising expressing TIM-3 on the surface of Th2 cells of a subject having a Th2-mediated disorder in an amount effective to treat the Th2-mediated disorder. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the Th2-mediated disorder is asthma. 
     
     
         37 - 58 . (canceled)