STING1 and dry eye syndrome: In a previous study, we speculated that mitochondrial DNA released into the cytoplasm may cause inflammation via the cGAS-STING signaling pathway under hyperosmotic stress (HS).34 In this study, we have provided evidence for the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway by mitochondrial DNA sensing, which mediates ocular surface inflammation in two experimental dry eye models—a mouse ocular surface treated with BAC and a mouse model with surgically removed lacrimal glands, as well as dry eye patient samples—along with cultured HCE exposed to hyperosmotic stress (HS-HCE).