Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one Toll-like receptor (TLR)-activating amphiphilic lipid and at least one hemoglobin-derived peptide and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also relates to the pharmaceutical composition according to the invention for use in preventing and/or treating tumours, preventing and/or treating infections, preventing and/or treating allergies, preventing and/or treating age-related immune imbalances, stimulating the innate and adaptive immune system and/or alleviating the adverse side effects of irradiation. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a hemoglobin-derived peptide as well as its use in treating a bacterial infection.