A peptide-based vaccine containing a pan HLA DR-binding epitope (PADRE) fused to a cytomegalovirus (CMV) peptide epitope, with potential anti-viral and immunomodulating activities. Upon administration, PADRE-CMV fusion peptide may stimulate a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against CMV in the CMV-infected host. The synthetic peptide PADRE is a universal helper T cell epitope.