該基因編碼的蛋白質屬于免疫球蛋白超家族，屬于蛋白質的TIM家族。CD4陽性T輔助淋巴細胞根據其細胞因子分泌模式可分為1型（Th1）和2型（Th2）。Th1細胞參與細胞介導的對細胞內病原體的免疫和遲發型超敏反應，而Th2細胞則參與控制細胞外寄生蟲感染和促進特應性和過敏性疾病。這種蛋白是一種調節巨噬細胞活化的Th1特異性細胞表面蛋白，抑制Th1介導的自身免疫和同種免疫反應，并促進免疫耐受。
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.