CpG oligodeoxynucleotide induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in A20 lymphoma cells via TLR9-mediated pathways

► We compare cytotoxicities of tow CpG-ODNs towards lymphoma cells. ► KSK-CpG, a novel CpG-ODN, induces direct cytotoxicity towards A20 lymphoma cells. ► Apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and Δψm decreases contribute to the cytotoxicity. ► TLR9 signaling and subsequent pathways play an important role in KSK-CpG's function. ► These findings provide insight into the potential therapy for lymphoma by KSK-CpG.