NEI researchers conducted a study that looked at the bacteria in the gut and how it protects the natural flora. Findings from studies suggest that this characteristic may be similar to how immune cells attack the eye in autoimmune eye diseases such as uveitis. Autoimmune uveitis is an inflammatory eye disease where the immune cells attack proteins in the eye. By studying how immune cells, also known as T cells, attack other parts of the body, researchers may gain further information on how the T cells are activated in the eye. It will also allow researchers to understand the disease better and develop treatments or therapies.