Poly(I:C) combined with multi-epitope protein vaccine completely protects against virulent foot-and-mouth disease virus challenge in pigs

► Developing a multi-epitope vaccine for FMD with optimal immunogenicity. ► Combination poly(I:C) with this vaccine conferred 100% protection in pigs. ► Poly(I:C) up-regulated T-cell immunity in pigs. ► Poly(I:C) is an effective adjuvant for this epitope-based vaccine of FMDV.