Gal-9 induces apoptosis in CD4+Tim-3+ TH1 cells, and Gal-9-Tim-3 pathway negatively regulates TH1 immunity, thus the elevation of serum Gal-9 may be beneficial in the progression of diabetic nephropathy by negatively regulating the immune responses and inflammation [18]. This evidence concerns the gene HAVCR2 and diabetic kidney disease.