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.
Animals ; Mice ; Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2/genetics* ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Spleen

Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/genetics* ; Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics* ; Mutation ; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/pathology* ; Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2/genetics*

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.
Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/pathology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation/genetics* ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2/metabolism* ; Humans ; Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism*

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disorder that principally attacks flexible joints and synovia. The precise pathogenesis of RA remains unclear, and genetic factors probably play an important role in its etiology. In addition to genes from human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region, such as HLA-DRB, genes from non-HLA region, such as TIM-3, PTPN22, TRAF1/C5, STAT4, CCR5, PADI4 and FCGR2A may also contribute to its susceptibility. The advance in molecular genetics research on RA is reviewed here.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; genetics ; Exome ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; HLA-DRB1 Chains ; genetics ; Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2 ; Humans ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 22 ; genetics ; Receptors, IgG ; genetics

This study investigated the expression of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and T cell immunoglobulin mucin and domain-containing molecule-3 (Tim-3) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of asthmatic mice and the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on these factors. Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into three groups: normal group, asthmatic group and DEX group. The mouse model of asthma was established by sensitization with ovalbumin in both the asthmatic and DEX groups. The levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and TGF-β were measured in BALF by enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression level of Tim-3 was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The ratio of Tim-3+CD4+ cells to total CD4+ cells in BALF was determined by flow cytometry. Differential inflammatory cells in BALF were detected. The correlations among IL-17, IL-6, IL-10, Tim-3 and inflammatory cells were analyzed. The results showed that the levels of IL-17, IL-6 and Tim-3 were substantially increased and the IL-10 level decreased in BALF in the asthmatic mice, which was significantly reversed by DEX treatment. IL-17 expression was positively correlated with IL-6 and Tim-3 expression and the number of inflammatory cells but negatively with IL-10 expression. These results indicate that the increased expression of IL-17 and Tim-3 in BALF may be implicated in the occurrence and development of asthmatic inflammation; the mechanism by which DEX suppresses asthmatic airway inflammation involves down-regulation of IL-17 and Tim-3 levels.
Animals ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; chemistry ; Dexamethasone ; pharmacology ; Female ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; genetics ; Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2 ; Interleukin-17 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Receptors, Virus ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate two single nucleotide polymorphism sites of the promoter region in T cells immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain protein-3 (TIM-3) and detect their relationship with allergic asthma in a population of adult Hans from Hubei province of China.

METHODSThe polymorphisms were detected with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and allelic specific polymerase chain reaction (ASPCR). The genotype and allele frequencies were calculated and analyzed.

RESULTSThe genotype frequencies of CC, CT and TT in -1541 C/T polymorphism were 0.961, 0.039 and 0 respectively in the healthy population and were 0.935, 0.065 and 0 respectively in the allergic asthma population. No significant difference in genotype and alleles frequencies was found between the allergic asthma patients and control subjects (P=0.314, P=0.321). The genotype frequencies of GG, GT and TT in -574 T/G polymorphism were 0.992, 0.008 and 0 respectively in the healthy population and were 0.941, 0.059 and 0 respectively in the allergic asthma population. There was significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies between the allergic asthma patients and control subjects (P=0.046, P=0.048).

CONCLUSIONThere are polymorphism sites of the promoter region in TIM-3 , and one of these sites, the -574 G/T polymorphism site, may be associated with allergic asthma in the population of adult Hans from Hubei province of China.

Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Asthma ; genetics ; China ; ethnology ; Female ; Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2 ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Population ; Receptors, Virus ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of down-regulating Tim-3 gene in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of an asthmatic mouse model by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and to explore the effect of Tim-3 on Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation.

METHODSAn asthmatic murine model was established by ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. PBMCs were isolated from asthmatic mice and transfected by shRNA targeting Tim-3 gene. The mRNA and protein expressions of Tim-3 were detected by quantitative PCR and Western blot. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to determine the levels of Th1 and Th17, and ELISA was performed to determine concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-17 in the supernatant.

RESULTSTim-3 mRNA expression in PBMCs was significantly increased in asthmatic mice. The mRNA and protein expression of Tim-3 decreased significantly in the shRNA group. Compared with the negative groups, Th1 cell levels increased and Th17 cell levels decreased significantly in the asthmatic groups after Tim-3 shRNA interference. In the Tim-3 shRNA interference groups concentrations of IFN-γ increased significantly while IL-17 decreased significantly.

CONCLUSIONSSpecific Tim-3 shRNA effectively silences the expression of Tim-3 and change in Tim-3 expression could affect T cell differentiation.

Animals ; Asthma ; immunology ; therapy ; Cell Differentiation ; Female ; Gene Silencing ; Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2 ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Receptors, Virus ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; Th1 Cells ; cytology ; Th17 Cells ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo explore the expression and clinical significance of T cell immunoglobulin mucin (TIM)-1, TIM-3 and T cell-specific transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 in spleen mononuclear cells in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

METHODSThe spleen samples were obtained from 17 active ITP patients and 10 controls with spleen traumatic rupture. By using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the mRNA expressions of TIM-3, TIM1, T-bet and GATA-3 were studied in all subjects.

RESULTSTIM-3 mRNA levels of active ITP patients were significantly decreased to (29 ± 16)% of that of control, TIM-1 mRNA levels of active ITP patients increased to (3.20 ± 2.18) folds of that of control, but the difference was not significant. The ratio of TIM-1/ TIM-3 was elevated in active ITP patients. T-bet mRNA levels were up-regulated in ITP patients by (2.82 ± 1.57) folds (P<0.05) and the expression of GATA3 was decreased by 14% folds (P<0.05) compared to controls. The ratio of T-bet/GATA3 were significantly elevated in ITP patients.

CONCLUSIONThe imbalance between TIM-3 and TIM-1 expression might play an important role in pathogenesis of ITP.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; GATA3 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 1 ; Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2 ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; metabolism ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; immunology ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Receptors, Virus ; metabolism ; Spleen ; metabolism ; Th1 Cells ; immunology ; Th2 Cells ; immunology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the frequencies of -1516,-574 and 4259 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of T cells immunoglobulin mucin -3(TIM-3) gene in Hubei population and address the question whether they are in linkage disequilibrium(LD) .

METHODSGenotypes and allele frequencies of TIM-3 gene were examined by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) methods in 147 healthy Hubei Han individuals. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and Two-point LD analyses and haplotype frequencies were evaluated with Arlequin v3.1 software.

RESULTSThe allele frequencies of the 3 SNPs were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Minor allelic frequencies of TIM-3 -1516G/T,-574T/G and 4259G/T were 8.5%,1.0% and 2.0%,respectively. The dominant haplotypes comprising the three loci were G-G-G(2.0%),G-G-T(88.4%), T-G-T(8.5%) and G-T-T(1.0%). LD analyses revealed that all of the coefficient of linkage disequilibrium (D') were 1.

CONCLUSIONThe -1516,-574 and 4259 loci of TIM-3 gene are in complete linkage disequilibrium. Our study has provided population genetic data on TIM-3 gene in Chinese Hubei Han population and a basis for searching immune-mediated disease-related TIM-3 haplotype.

Adult ; Alleles ; Base Sequence ; China ; Electrophoresis ; Ethnic Groups ; genetics ; Haplotypes ; Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2 ; Humans ; Linkage Disequilibrium ; genetics ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of Galectin-9 and Tim-3 in lungs of mice with asthma and the effect of rosiglitazone (PPAR-γ agonist) on their expression.

METHODSFortyfive BALB/c SPF female mice were randomized into control group and asthma groups with and without rosiglitazone intervention. After ovalbumin stimulation and rosiglitazone intervention the pathological changes of the lung tissues were observed. Galectin-9 and Tim-3 mRNA levels in lung tissues were determined using RT-PCR. The levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ in peripheral blood were measured using ELISA.

RESULTSThe expression of Galectin-9 and Tim-3 mRNA of lung tissues in the untreated asthma group increased significantly compared with the control and the rosiglitazone treated groups (P<0.05). A significantly increased blood expression of IL-4 and a significantly decreased blood expression of IFN-γ were found in the untreated asthma group compared with the control and the rosiglitazone-treated groups (P<0.05). The expression of Galectin-9 and Tim-3 mRNA was positively correlated with blood IL-4 level (r=0.792, r=0.794 respectively; P<0.05), but negatively correlated with blood IFN-γ level (r=-0.692, r=-0.757 respectively; P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSGalectin-9 and Tim-3 mRNA levels in lungs increase in mice with asthma and significantly correlate with the levels of blood Th1/Th2 cytokines. This suggests that Galectin-9 and Tim-3 are closely related to inflammatory process in asthma. Rosiglitazone treatment may decrease the expression of Galectin-9 and Tim-3.

Animals ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; immunology ; pathology ; Female ; Galectins ; genetics ; Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2 ; Interferon-gamma ; blood ; Interleukin-4 ; blood ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; PPAR gamma ; physiology ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Receptors, Virus ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Th1 Cells ; immunology ; Th2 Cells ; immunology ; Thiazolidinediones ; therapeutic use