DNA/Ad5 vaccination with SIV epitopes induced epitope-specific CD4+ T cells, but few subdominant epitope-specific CD8+ T cells

► In this study, we attempt to elicit CD8+ T cell responses against subdominant epitopes and CD4+ T cell responses. ► We conclude that it is relatively straightforward to elicit CD4+ T cell responses against SIV epitopes. ► Eliciting CD8+ T cell responses against subdominant SIV epitopes is far more difficult than previously believed.