Kim-1/Tim-1 is an apoptotic-cell phagocytosis and scavenger receptor that is most highly upregulated in proximal tubular epithelium in acute and chronic kidney injury. While Kim-1/Tim-1 has been proposed to be a costimulatory molecule for immune cells, its potential immunological role has been controversial. In the presence of very high epithelial cell expression, understanding the influence of immune cell Kim-1/Tim-1 expression in kidney injury relies on a better definition of its functional significance in immune cells and better characterization of antibodies used to probe function.
Takaharu Ichimura, Craig R Brooks, Joseph V Bonventre. Kim-1/Tim-1 and immune cells: shifting sands. Kidney international. 2012 May;81(9):809-11
PMID: 22499138
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