Immune checkpoint TIM-3 in tumor immunotherapy

• TIM-3 is a promising immune checkpoint target expressed on multiple immune cell types, with blockade showing potential to enhance anti-tumor immunity. • Combination therapies targeting TIM-3 with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have demonstrated synergistic effects in preclinical models, offering a strategy to overcome resistance to current ICIs. • TIM-3 interacts with multiple ligands (Gal-9, CEACAM1, HMGB1, PtdSer) to suppress anti-tumor immune responses, providing multiple avenues for therapeutic intervention. • The review highlights the need for further clinical studies to validate the efficacy and safety of TIM-3-targeted therapies in cancer patients.