The present invention provides a method for treating or delaying the onset of an autoimmune condition in a human subject. An effective oral dose of ustekinumab is administered to the subject. Oral administration of ustekinumab also is useful in a method of decreasing innate inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and TNF-α, Th1-like cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ, IL-17 (Teff), IL-12p70, and increasing Th2-like counter-regulatory cytokine IL-13 in a subject.