The invention relates to methods and products for inducing IL-10
expression using immunostimulatory nucleic acids. In particular, the
invention relates to methods and products for inducing IL-10 expression
without inducing high levels of IFN-.alpha. expression. IL-10-inducing
immunostimulatory nucleic acids preferably include a TC dinucleotide at
the 5' end and a CG dinucleotide towards the 3' end, but not near the 5'
end. The invention is useful for treating and preventing disorders
associated with a Th1 or Th2 immune response or for promoting a T
regulatory cell environment suitable for suppressing inappropriate immune
responses (e.g., for controlling or suppressing excessive immune
responses).