Corneal allografts are arguably the most successful category of organ transplants. The immune privilege that exempts corneal allografts from the laws of transplantation involves blockade in the induction of the immune response, deletion of immune effector cells at the host/graft interface, and the induction of T regulatory cells (Tregs) that silence immune effector cells. In spite of this privilege, immune rejection remains the leading cause of corneal allograft failure. A wealth of experimental findings indicates that different components of the adaptive immune apparatus play critical roles in the immune privilege and immune rejection of corneal allografts. By contrast, there is a dearth of information regarding the role of the innate immune apparatus in the immune privilege and immune rejection of corneal allografts. The innate immune apparatus is designed to mount a swift response to pathogens and as such relies on recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) that are widely expressed on microorganisms. Thus, it would seem unlikely that the innate immune apparatus would respond to or influence the survival of corneal allografts, which do not express PAMPS. However, recent findings indicate that the innate immune system not only shapes the nature of the adaptive immune response, but also has a major impact on the immune privilege of corneal allografts and thus, corneal allograft survival. There is conflicting evidence regarding the role of the innate immune system in the rejection of corneal allografts. Gaining a better understanding of the role of the innate immune system in either promoting or abrogating immune privilege will be important for designing future strategies for preventing corneal allograft rejection, especially in high-risk keratoplasty patients.