In addition, the observation by Dartt and colleagues of P2X7 immunoreactivity in the NLRP3 inflammasomes of rat conjunctival goblet cells [14] points to a role for these purinoceptors in the ocular surface inflammation that is an important pathogenic factor in the progression of clinical dry eye. The gene discussed is NLRP3; the disease is Keratoconjunctivitis sicca.