该基因编码的蛋白质属于免疫球蛋白超家族，属于蛋白质的TIM家族。CD4阳性T辅助淋巴细胞根据其细胞因子分泌模式可分为1型（Th1）和2型（Th2）。Th1细胞参与细胞介导的对细胞内病原体的免疫和迟发型超敏反应，而Th2细胞则参与控制细胞外寄生虫感染和促进特应性和过敏性疾病。这种蛋白是一种调节巨噬细胞活化的Th1特异性细胞表面蛋白，抑制Th1介导的自身免疫和同种免疫反应，并促进免疫耐受。
The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily, and TIM family of proteins. CD4-positive T helper lymphocytes can be divided into types 1 (Th1) and 2 (Th2) on the basis of their cytokine secretion patterns. Th1 cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity to intracellular pathogens and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions, whereas, Th2 cells are involved in the control of extracellular helminthic infections and the promotion of atopic and allergic diseases. This protein is a Th1-specific cell surface protein that regulates macrophage activation, and inhibits Th1-mediated auto- and alloimmune responses, and promotes immunological tolerance.