Expression of Tim-3 Is Transiently Increased before Development of Anterior Chamber-Associated Immune Deviation

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the expression of T-cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing molecule 3 (Tim-3) in the spleens of BALB/c mice undergoing anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID). Methods: ACAID was generated after intracameral (i.c.) injection of ovalbumin (OVA) into BALB/c mice and evaluated by assessing the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response following a subsequent subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of OVA emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) on Days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Tim-3 mRNA levels were detected using real-time RT-PCR, and the frequency of CD4⁺Tim-3⁺ T cells in splenocytes as well as the coexpression of Tim-3 with CD25 on CD4⁺ T cells were assessed by flow cytometry. Results: A significantly suppressed DTH response was observed on Days 7, 14, 21, and 28, but not on Days 0 and 3 during the development of ACAID. The levels of Tim-3 mRNA and the frequency of CD4⁺CD25⁺Tim-3⁺ T cells in the splenocytes reached a peak on Day 3, declined on Day 7, and returned to basal levels thereafter. Conclusions: A transient upregulation of Tim-3 expression was observed in the early stage of ACAID, suggesting its possible involvement in the development of ACAID.

KEYWORDS:

• Anterior chamber
• delayed-type hypersensitivity
• immune deviation
• Tim-3