Cell-mediated immune responses to a varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein E vaccine using both a TLR agonist and QS21 in mice

► We evaluated the immunogenicity of VZV glycoprotein E-based herpes zoster vaccines. ► Mice were immunized with gE combined with saline, Al salt or an Adjuvant System. ► Adjuvant Systems AS01 and AS02 contain the immunostimulants QS21 and MPL. ► gE formulated with an Adjuvant System elicited higher CD4+ T cell responses than other vaccines. ► gE formulated with AS01B induced higher CMI responses compared to other gE/AS01 formulations, supporting clinical evaluation.