Toxoplasma gondii: Protective immunity against experimental toxoplasmosis induced by a DNA vaccine encoding the perforin-like protein 1

► The immunogenecity of T. gondii perforin-like protein 1 (TgPLP1) was evaluated. ► T. gondii TgPLP1 induced specific anti-T. gondii antibodies and cellular responses. ► T. gondii TgPLP1 is a potential vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis in mice. ► The murine IL-18 enhanced the immune effect of T. gondii TgPLP1.