Expression of Tim-3 is transiently increased before development of anterior chamber-associated immune deviation

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.