Expression of T-cell Immunoglobulin- and Mucin-domain-containing Molecule-3 on Lymphocytes from Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura Patients

OBJECTIVE To investigate T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing molecule-3 (Tim-3) and its ligand galectin-9 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura (HSP) patients. METHODS Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to examine the mRNA expression of Tim-3 and its ligand galectin-9 in PBMCs from HSP patients. ELISA methods were used to examine the levels of serum IFN-γ and immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1). The Spearman rank test was used for correlation analysis between Tim-3, galectin-9 mRNA expression and serum IFN-γ and IgA1 levels, respectively. FINDINGS The results showed that Tim-3 and galectin-9 mRNA expression was obviously higher in patients, which was closely correlated with serum IFN-γ and IgA1, respectively. CONCLUSION The results suggested that Tim-3/Tim-3L may be related to the pathogenesis of HSP.