Tim-4 an emerging immune modulatory molecule

Tim-4 is a member of the T-cell immunoglobulin mucin (Tim) family of proteins that has been implicated in the
control of T cell-mediated immune responses. Tim-4 that is expressed on various macrophages subsets has been
recognized as a phosphatidylserine receptor mediating phagocytosis of apoptic cells by peritoneal macrophages.
The functions of Tim-4 in immune responses, however, are still unclear. In this study, results showed that blocking
of Tim-4 that is preferentially expressed on F4/80+ peritoneal macrophages results in increased C04+ T cells
proliferation. Additionally the administration of anti-Tim4 monoclonal antibody decreased the percentage of
Foxp3+CD4+CD25+ T-regulatory cells in lymph nodes of immunized mice suggesting an emerging role of Tim-4
molecule in immune regulation as a promising target for treatment and prevention of autoimmune diseases.