The present invention provides methods of modulating the activation of certain Toll-like receptors (TLRs) such as TLR7/8 using chemically modified nucleic acid molecules. The present invention also provides methods of using such modified nucleic acid molecules to treat diseases or disorders associated with TLR7/8 activation such as systemic lupus erythematosus. The present invention further provides compositions comprising a combination of modified nucleic acid molecules and nucleic acid molecules that silence expression of one or more target sequences. Methods of using such compositions to reduce or abolish target gene expression without inducing cytokine production are also provided.