CpG oligodeoxynucleotides increase the susceptibility of normal mice to infection by Candida albicans

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs trigger an innate immune response that typically increases host resistance to infection. Yet CpG treatment reduces the resistance of normal mice to Candida albicans infection. This effect is mediated by CpG-induced interleukin-12, indicating that CpG-dependent cytokine production may have adverse consequences for the host.