Research shows the commensal bacterium
Corynebacterium mastitidis uses the lipid
TMCM to trigger protective
ocular immunity. TMCM activates
IL-17+ γδ T cells through
TCR and
IL-1R1 signaling. This microbial factor strengthens
barrier defenses and prevents bacterial infections.
References:
- Xu X, Rigas Y E, Mattapallil M J, et al. Commensal-derived trehalose monocorynomycolate triggers γδ T cell-driven protective ocular barrier immunity[J]. Immunity, 2025.