The present invention makes it possible to enhance steroid efficacy in a steroid refractory or dependent patient afflicted with an inflammatory condition not responding or responding poorly or inadequately to anti-inflammatory treatment, by administering an oligonucleotide having the sequence 5 5′-Xm-CG-Yn-3′ in an effective amount to said patient and wherein X is A, T, C or G, Y is A, T, C, or G, m=1-100, n=1-100 and wherein at least one CG dinucleotide is ummethylated. The invention also encompasses the use of said oligonucleotide for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.