Systemic immunization with an epitope-based vaccine elicits a Th1-biased response and provides protection against Helicobacter pylori in mice

► We constructed a vaccine which was composed by predicted CD4+ T cell epitopes. ► We examined the prophylactic potential of the vaccine against Helicobacter pylori. ► Immunization with the epitope-based vaccine significantly reduced bacterial load. ► The epitope-based vaccine elicits systemic and local Th1-biased response. ► The vaccine-mediated Th1-biased response may contribute to the protective effect.