As PD-1 overexpression is another marker of T cell exhaustion, the dual blockade of these two pathways (PD-1/PD-L1 and TIM3) may be synergistic and more effective in restoring the T-cell proliferation and cytokine production.18 It is interesting to note that in early tumour development, most TILs do not express PD-1 and TIM3, while in more advanced stages, both proteins are frequently expressed.22 In preclinical mouse studies of solid tumours, CD8+ TILs coexpressing TIM3 and PD-1 exhibit profound defects in T cell effector function. This evidence concerns the gene HAVCR2 and neoplasm.