Used in immunological research to study T-cell regulation and immune checkpoint pathways. Helps in the development of therapeutic antibodies targeting autoimmune diseases and cancer. Commonly employed in binding assays, ELISA, and surface plasmon resonance to analyze interactions with its ligands such as galectin-9, phosphatidylserine, and HMGB1. Supports the evaluation of drug candidates modulating TIM-3 mediated immune responses. Also used as a capture or detection reagent in flow cytometry and protein array systems.