The Toll-like receptor (TLR) family of pathogen recognition molecules has an important role
in recognizing microbial pathogens and microbial breakdown products. Activation of TLRs in
the corneal epithelium induces CXC chemokine production and recruitment of neutrophils to
the corneal stroma. Although essential for pathogen killing, neutrophils can cause extensive
tissue damage, leading to visual impairment and blindness. In this review, we examine the
role of TLRs in microbial keratitis and in noninfectious corneal inflammation, most commonly …