The invention provides novel methods and compositions for the treatment of immune system-mediated arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. The subject compositions comprise one or more different types of collagen or collagen derivatives and a mucosa binding structure. Specific combinations of collagen and/or collagen derivatives may be used to treat specific types of arthritis. The collagen(s) and/or collagen(s) derivatives used in the subject compositions may be either obtained from natural sources or produced by recombinant genetic engineering techniques by chemical modification. Another aspect of the invention is to provide methods for treating various types of arthritis by administering an effective amount of the subject collagen-containing compositions. The methods of the invention involve the oral administration of a collagen or collagens found in a specific tissue, e.g., cartilage, so as to induce the suppression (immunological tolerance) of inflammation against the tissue from which the collagen is found to occur in nature. The methods of the invention include the administration of the subject collagen(s) and/or collagen derivative(s) containing compositions into the intestines so as to induce immune tolerance, e.g., oral administration.