Compositions and methods related to TIM-3, a TH1-specific cell surface molecule
View Patent ↗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.
1. A method for treating a subject in need of an enhanced immune response, comprising administering to the subject a T cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin domain containing molecule-3 (TIM-3)-binding molecule in an effective amount to promote T-cell activation, effector function, or trafficking to a target tissue, wherein the TIM-3 binding molecule is an antibody or an antigen binding fragment that binds TIM-3.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the TIM-3-binding molecule binds to an extracellular region of TIM-3.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the extracellular region of TIM-3 is an IgV domain or a fragment thereof.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the extracellular region of TIM-3 is a mucin domain or a fragment thereof.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject has or is at risk of having cancer.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject has or is at risk of having an infection.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the target tissue is selected from the group consisting of: brain, breast, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas, stomach, intestine, ovary, uterus, testis, prostate, marrow, bone, muscle, and skin.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the target tissue is central nervous system.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject is a human.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the administering is to a site other than the target tissue.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the administering is to a site other than a lymph node associated with the target tissue.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the administering is systemic.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the administering is intravenous.
14. The method of claim 1 , further comprising administering to the subject an adjuvant.
15. The method of claim 1 , further comprising administering to the subject a cytokine.
16. The method of claim 1 , further comprising administering to the subject an antibacterial medicament.
17. The method of claim 1 , further comprising administering to the subject an antiviral medicament.
18. The method of claim 1 , further comprising administering to the subject an antifungal medicament.
19. The method of claim 1 , further comprising administering to the subject an antiparasitic medicament.
20. A method for treating a subject in need of treatment for an infection, comprising administering to the subject a T cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin domain containing molecule-3 (TIM-3)-binding molecule in an effective amount to promote T-cell activation, effector function, or trafficking to a site of the infection, wherein the TIM-3 binding molecule is an antibody or an antigen binding fragment that binds TIM-3.