A method for stimulating an immune response against IL-12R.alpha.2 in asubject having or at risk for developing a disease having cells expressing IL-13R.alpha.2 includes the steps of formulating the anti-cancer vaccine outsideof the subject and administering the vaccine to the subject in an amountsufficient to stimulate an immune response against IL-13R.alpha.2 in thesubject. A composition for stimulating an immune response agaist IL-13R.alpha.2 in a subject having or at risk for developing a disease havingcells expressing IL-13R.alpha.2 includes an isolated agent that can stimulateimmune response against IL-13.alpha.2.