Figure 2.

Tim‐3 blockade promoted iNKT cell function in HBV‐Tg mice. 100 μg of anti‐Tim‐3(aTim‐3) or IgG antibodies was i.p. injected into HBV‐Tg mice. 24 h later, 2 μg of α‐Galcer or DMSO control was i.v. injected. Another 24 h later, experimental mice were killed and IHLs were isolated and detected. The percentage and number of iNKT cells were compared between each group (A and B) (n = 3). Gated on CD3⁺ CD1d⁺ iNKT cells, the production of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐4 and CD107a was detected and analysed (C and D) (n = 3). For in vitro assay, IHLs from HBV‐Tg mice were pre‐incubated with 5 μg/mL of anti‐Tim‐3(aTim‐3) or IgG antibodies for 30 minutes and then stimulated with 1 μg/mL α‐Galcer for 6 h. The expression of IFN‐γ and CD107a in iNKT cells was compared (E and F). All data were analysed using paired or unpaired Student's t test. For all graphs: ns (no significance), P < .05 (∗), P < .01 (∗∗) or P < .001 (∗∗∗)