<h4>Purpose of review</h4>We summarise the current knowledge of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3) across innate and adaptive immune cells and compile emerging evidence in cardiovascular disease (CVD).<h4>Recent findings</h4>Immune checkpoints have come to light as potent regulators of immune responses in tumour biology, autoimmune disease and, more recently, in CVD. The gene discussed is HAVCR2; the disease is cardiovascular disorder.