A method is provided for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a condition where an enhancement of a Th1-mediated immune response and suppression of a Th2/Th17-mediated immune response are desired. The method comprises the step of administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of at least one interferon alpha subtype selected from IFN-α10, IFN-α14, and a hybrid thereof. The condition to be treated may be selected from the group consisting of an autoimmune disease, an inflammatory disease (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) and allergy or an associated allergic condition.