Protective immune responses in rabbits induced by a suicidal DNA vaccine of the VP60 gene of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus

► A suicidal DNA vaccine was evaluated for the development of a vaccine against RHDV. ► RHDV-specific antibodies and cell immune response were well induced in rabbits. ► All the rabbits inoculated with the DNA vaccine were protected against RHDV. ► The DNA vaccine is a promising vaccine candidate for prevention of RHD.