With respect to the possible mechanisms by which TIM-3 and galectin-9 drive SLE, it was proposed that the elevated expression of soluble TIM-3 may impair the clearance of apoptotic cells [126], whereas the increase in galectin-9 may promote SLE by inhibiting the functions of regulatory T cells [127]. Here, LGALS9 is linked to systemic lupus erythematosus.