Definition

A monoclonal antibody against the inhibitory T-cell receptor T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3; TIM3; hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 2; HAVCR2), with potential immune checkpoint inhibitory and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, anti-TIM-3 monoclonal antibody BC3402 targets and binds to TIM-3 expressed on certain T cells, including tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). This abrogates T-cell inhibition, activates antigen-specific T lymphocytes and enhances cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated tumor cell lysis, which results in a reduction in tumor growth. TIM-3, a transmembrane protein and immune checkpoint receptor, is associated with tumor-mediated immune suppression.