The inhibition of the T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim3) pathway enhances the efficacy of tumor vaccine

T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim3) plays an important role in the Th1-mediated immune response; however, its effect on the efficacy of tumor vaccines has not been fully evaluated. Here, we demonstrate the effect of Tim3 pathway inhibition on tumor growth in mice. Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL) cells expressing a Tim3 pathway inhibitor, when injected into mice, showed suppressed tumor growth and a reduced frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T-cells. Furthermore, Tim3 pathway inhibition significantly enhanced the efficacy of a prophylactic tumor vaccine and marginally enhanced the efficacy of a therapeutic tumor vaccine. However, when given in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent, 5-fluorouracil, the therapeutic tumor vaccine capable of Tim3 pathway inhibition had no additional anti-tumor effect. Our results show that Tim3 pathway inhibition can enhance tumor vaccine efficacy.

Research highlights
► Tim3 pathway inhibition suppressed tumor growth in mice.
► The tumor vaccine capable of Tim3 pathway inhibition showed anti-tumor effect.
► Tim3 pathway inhibition can enhance tumor vaccine efficacy.