CCL5-independent helper T lymphocyte responses to immuno-dominant pneumococcal surface protein A epitopes

► PspA is a candidate vaccine antigen against pneumococcal disease. ► Certain individuals susceptible to pneumococcal infection have ccl5 polymorphisms. ► These variances limit expression of CCL5, which is needed for pneumococcal immunity. ► We show HTL responses to PspA199-246 are largely resistant to CCL5 deficiency.