An mRNA analysis of 110 patients with corneal ulcers showed heightened expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-8, and IL-17 (Karthikeyan et al., 2011). This evidence concerns the gene CXCL8 and corneal infection.