[TIM-3/galectin-9 is involved in negative regulation of T cells in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia].

Objective To investigate the regulation and clinical significance of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 (TIM-3)/galectin-9 signaling pathway in regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Th17 cells in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Methods The study enrolled 36 healthy individuals and 40 newly diagnosed CLL patients. The Tregs, Th17 cells, TIM-3+ Tregs and TIM-3+ Th17 cells were detected by the flow cytometry in their peripheral blood. Concentrations of IL-10, IL-17 and galectin-9 in serum were measured by the ELISA. Results Compared with the healthy controls, the CLL group had the higher levels of TIM-3+ Tregs, Tregs/Th17 cell ratio, TIM-3+ Tregs/TIM-3+ Th17 cell ratio, IL-10, galectin-9, and IL-10/IL-17 ratio. The level of TIM-3 expression on T cells, galectin-9 and the IL-10/IL-17 ratio in the CLL patients increased with the advance of Binet stage. Conclusion The TIM-3/galectin-9 signaling pathway is involved in the negative regulation of T cells in patients with CLL.