This disclosure provides a method of inducing production of vascular endothelial growth factor by a cell. The method includes contacting the cell with a CpG oligonucleotide, thereby inducing the production of vascular endothelial growth factor by the cell. The disclosure further provides a method inducing neovascularization in a tissue. This method includes comprising introducing a CpG oligodeoxynucleotide into an area of the tissue wherein the formation of new blood vessels is desired, thereby inducing neovascularization in the area of the tissue.