Compositions and methods for enhancing Th1/Th17 cell responses and decreasing Th2 cell responses are disclosed herein. In various embodiments the present invention describes activation of human dendritic cells and enhancement of antigen-specific T cell responses in a Dectin-1-expressing human dendritic cells comprising an anti-Dectin-1-specific antibody or fragment thereof fused with one or more antigens. TLR2 ligands may also be included to enhance the activation and for enhancement of T-cell responses. Further, the invention also includes methods based on the compositions described herein for the treatment of pathogenic infections.