Not only T cells but also DCs and monocytes can express TIM-3.22 The autocrine or paracrine signaling pathways of TIM-3 promote leukemia cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis.24 It is also secreted together with galectin-9, which blocks the activity of T-cells, contributing to immune evasion.22,23,25 The secreted form of TIM-3 may exert a distant inhibitory effect on immune cells away from the leukemia cells. The gene discussed is LGALS9; the disease is leukemia.