A vaccine consisting of the melanocyte differentiation antigen Melan A (also called MART-1) encapsulated in noninfectious virus-like particles (VLP) with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, Melan-A VLP vaccine may activate the immune system to exert a specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response against cancer cells expressing the Melan A antigen, resulting in tumor cell lysis. Melan A is an antigen that is upregulated in most melanomas. VLP stimulates the immune system and promotes the CTL response.