Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment of immune disorders, such as autoimmune diseases, or cancers, involving combination therapy with agents that inhibit the development or maintenance of Th17 cells. Treatment regimens are provided in which an antagonist of a pro-inflammatory cytokine is administered for a time sufficient to alleviate signs and symptoms of an acute phase flare-up of the autoimmune disease, or cancer, and treatment with an antagonist of IL-23 is continued for a longer time to prevent recurrence of the acute event. Antagonists of PGE2 and CD161 are also disclosed for use in treatment of autoimmune, inflammatory and proliferative disorders.