Use of nucleic acids containing unmethylated CPC dinucleotide in the treatment of LPS-associated disorders

The present invention is based on the finding that nucleic acids containing at least one unmethylated cytosine-guanine (CpG) dinucleotide affect immune responses in a subject. These nucleic acids containing at least one unmethylated cytosine-guanine (CpG) dinucleotide can be used to treat pulmonary disorders having an immunologic component, such as a response to inhaled lipopolysaccharide. The invention provides methods of treating subjects who have or are at risk of having these pulmonary disorders, and methods of altering the immunological components of the pulmonary disorders. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions for treating pulmonary disorders that have an immunologic component.