Methods of modulating immune responses by modulating tim-1, tim-2 and tim-4 function

A method of promoting a Th1 immune response in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent said agent comprising a polypeptide consisting essentially of

• (i) amino acids 31-133 of SEQ ID NO:
• 3;
• (ii) amino acids 31-134 of SEQ ID NO:
• 4;
• (iii) a conservative substitution polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to amino acids 31-133 of SEQ ID NO:
• 3, and wherein the polypeptide binds to human Tim-1 (SEQ ID NO:
• 1) and increases the activity of Tim-1 to signal into T cells;
• or
• (iv) a conservative substitution polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to amino acids 31-134 of SEQ ID NO:
• 4, and wherein the polypeptide binds to mouse Tim-1 (SEQ ID NO:
• 2) and increases the activity of Tim-1 to signal into T cells.

A method of treating eosinophilia, or of reducing the frequency severity or onset of symptoms of eosinophilia, in a subject in need of such treatment, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent, said agent comprising a polypeptide consisting essentially of

• (i) amino acids 31-133 of SEQ ID NO:
• 3
• (ii) amino acids 31-134 of SEQ ID NO:
• 4;
• (iii) a conservative substitution polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to amino acids 31-133 of SEQ ID NO:
• 3, and wherein the polypeptide binds to human Tim-1 (SEQ ID NO:
• 1) and increases the activity of Tim-1 to signal into T cells;
• or
• (iv) a conservative substitution polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to amino acids 31-134 of SEQ ID NO:
• 4,
• and wherein the polypeptide binds to mouse Tim-1 (SEQ ID NO:
• 2) and increases the activity of Tim-1 to signal into T cells.

A method of treating a Th2-mediated disorder, or of reducing the frequency, severity or onset of symptoms of a Th2-mediated disorder, in a subject in need of such treatment, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent, said agent comprising a polypeptide consisting essentially of

• (i) amino acids 31-318 of SEQ ID NO:
• 3;
• or
• (ii) amino acids 31-281 of SEQ ID NO:
• 4.

A method of promoting a Th1 immune response in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent said agent comprising a polypeptide consisting essentially of

• (i) amino acids 31-318 of SEQ ID NO:
• 3;
• or
• (ii) amino acids 31-281 of SEQ ID NO:
• 4.