Fig. 3

The immunosuppression mechanisms underlying TIM-3 action in the TME. ① Inhibition of CD4 + T cell activation via the IL-6-STAT3 pathway, preventing Th1 polarization and promoting tumor occurrence, growth, and metastasis. ② Expression of TIM-3 on melanoma cells can reduce the adhesion ability of tumor cells and promote their survival. ③ Expression of TIM-3 on HCC cells regulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by reducing E-cadherin and upregulating N-cadherin expression, which increases the migration and invasion of HCC cells. ④ TIM-3⁺ tumor cells sustain their own survival and self-renewal via the autocrine action a variety of TIM-3 ligands and avoiding recognition and clearance by immune cells