Compositions and methods of glycosylated virus-like particles (VLPs) displaying user-defined antigens and optionally encapsidating TLR ligands for targeting dendritic cell lectins have been developed. The VLPs employ ligands for a DC lectin e.g., DC-SIGN to activate dendritic cells (DC) and drive proliferation of antigen-specific CD8 and CD4-T cells specific for a user-defined antigen, such as a tumor antigens. In some forms, the compositions include aryl-mannose ligands to effectively generate DC-mediated TH-1 T cell responses to the user-defined antigen.