The results of the present study showed that TLR2 and TLR4 expression in both neutrophils and monocytes was significantly higher in patients with KC compared to control subjects; and that patients with KC also had higher serum levels of IL-1B, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-9 and NF-κB. The gene discussed is NFKB1; the disease is keratoconus.