In vitro studies have shown that Gal-9 induced TIM-3 activation induced intracellular calcium influx, aggregation, and cell death (mixed apoptosis and necrosis) of CD4+ T cells; additionally, Gal-9 administration in vivo can cause rapid elimination of IFNγ-producing CD4+ T cells and suppress Th1-mediated autoimmunity [85]. Here, CD4 is linked to Autoimmunity.