Heterologous priming-boosting with DNA and vaccinia virus expressing kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 induces potent cellular immune response and confers protection against infection with antimony resistant and sensitive strains of Leishmania (Leishmania

► KMP-11 DNA/rVV prime-boost vaccination was evaluated against Leishmaniasis. ► This prophylactic vaccination protects against Sb-S and Sb-R L. (L.) donovani infection. ► Protection correlates with enhanced cellular immune response in vaccinated groups. ► Vaccine induces antigen specific T-cell proliferation and cytotoxic responses. ► Proinflammatory cytokines from CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells correlate with protection.