Recombinant VP1 protein expressed in Pichia pastoris induces protective immune responses against EV71 in mice

► The capsid protein VP1 of EV71 was secretory expressed in Pichia pastoris. ► The recombinant VP1 induced humoral and cellular immune responses in mice model. ► Antisera from VP1 immunized mice protected neonatal mice against EV71 infection. ► The yeast-expressed VP1 is a promising EV71 vaccine candidate.