Induction of T Cell Responses by Vaccination of a Streptococcus pneumoniae Whole-Cell Vaccine

The induction of T cell responses by vaccination is important for protection against infection. We have previously shown that immunization with a killed Streptococcus pneumoniae whole-cell vaccine (SPWCV) by either intranasal immunization or subcutaneous immunization induced T cell responses to SPWCV. Protection against colonization by S. pneumoniae is dependent on CD4+ IL-17A production induced by immunization. Here, we present detailed protocols for preparation of SPWCV, immunization of mice, and assay for T cell responses in blood and splenocytes in immunized mice.