Tim-1, Human Recombinant

The TIM (T cell/transmembrane, immunoglobulin and mucin) family plays a critical role in regulating immune responses, including allergy, asthma, transplant tolerance, autoimmunity and the response to viral infections. The unique structure of TIM immunoglobulin variable region domains allows highly specific recognition of phosphatidylserine (PtdSer), exposed on the surface of apoptotic cells. TIM-1 (T cell-immunoglobulinmucin; also KIM-1 and HAVcr-1) is a 100 kDa, type I transmembrane glycoprotein member of the TIM family of immunoglobulin superfamily molecules. There are two cytoplasmic alternate splice forms of TIM1. One is a long (359 aa) kidney form termed TIM-1b, and one is a short (334 aa) liver form termed TIM-1a. TIM-1, important for asthma and allergy, is preferentially expressed on T-helper 2 (Th2) cells and functions as a potent costimulatory molecule for T cell activation.