By attaching to TIM-1 (which mediates the positive regulation of T cells and stimulates the immune response through a costimulatory action), TIM-4 can enhance the activation, proliferation, and cytokine production of T cells, all of which are essential for tumour immunity (Meyers et al., 2005; Miyanishi et al., 2007; Xiao et al., 2011a). Here, HAVCR1 is linked to neoplasm.