This disclosure provides a method of inducing epithelial cell growth. The method includes administering an effective amount of a K-type CpG oligonucleotide, thereby inducing epithelial cell growth. The epithelial cell can be in vivo or in vitro. Methods are also provided for inducing wound healing in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one K-type CpG ODN.
