Abstract: L-Rhamnose antigen-lipid conjugates for recruitment of the immune system to sites of tumor growth for initiating an anti-tumor antigen response. Methods for introducing L-rhamnose antigen-conjugated lipids into cell membranes such that L-rhamnose antigens are displayed on the cell surface. The cells can be tumor cells and more specifically can be melanoma cells. Cells are contacted with one or more L-rhamnose antigen-lipid conjugates such that L-rhamnose antigen-lipid conjugates are inserted into the cell membrane. The cells can be contacted for example by intratumoral injection. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the L-rhamnose antigen-lipid conjugates and therapeutic methods employing the conjugates and compositions.