Furthermore, the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in HCECs is inhibited by RGD-Alg@MSCs (Fig. 3C), which indicated a strong anti-inflammatory effect, crucial for mitigating dry eye symptoms (20, 21). Here, IL6 is linked to Keratoconjunctivitis sicca.