HAVCR2 and infection: <h4>Background</h4>T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) is a critical immune checkpoint, yet its role in regulating macrophage function during malaria infection remains poorly understood.<h4>Methods</h4>We established a Plasmodium yoelii NSM murine model, in vitro co-culture systems, and comprehensive techniques including scRNA-seq, flow cytometry, and functional assays to investigate Tim-3 expression on splenic macrophages and its immunoregulatory impact.<h4>Results</h4>We observed a significant infection-induced downregulation of Tim-3 on splenic macrophages.