The present invention relates, in general, to pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), including toll-like receptors (TLRs), and, in particular, to a method of inhibiting nucleic acid-induced activation of, for example, endosomal TLRs using an agent that binds to the nucleic acid (“nucleic acid binding agent”), preferably, in a manner that is independent of the nucleotide sequence, the chemistry (e.g., DNA or RNA, with or without base or sugar modifications) and/or the structure (e.g., double-stranded or single-stranded, complexed or uncomplexed with, for example protein) of the nucleic acid(s) responsible for inducing TLR activation. The invention also relates to methods of identifying nucleic acid binding agents suitable for use in such methods.