Stimulatory type A CpG-DNA induces a Th2-like response in human endothelial cells

► CpG-DNA induces a known pro-inflammatory response in human macrophages. ► We show that the same CpG-DNA leads to an anti-inflammatory reaction in human endothelial cells. ► The anti-inflammatory endothelial response is characterized by IL-10 expression. ► Even in the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines endothelia will maintain this Th2-like response towards CpG-DNA. ► This Th2-like endothelial response may be important for the adjuvant activity of CpG-DNA in immunization.