Provided in the present invention are recombinant peptides and a method for using the peptides in stimulating an immune response against human high molecular weight-melanoma associated antigen (HMW-MAA). The peptides were designed from the identification of regions of structural and amino acid sequence homology between HMW-MAA and the mouse anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody MK2-23. The method comprises the step of administering to an individual a peptide of the invention in an amount effective to elicit an immune response against HMW-MAA.