Immunization with rP22 induces protective immunity against Schistosoma mansoni: Effects on granuloma down-modulation and cytokine production

► The recombinant P22 protein is a protective antigen against schistosomiasis in mice. ► rP22 is a tegument protein localized on the surface of S. mansoni adult worms. ► Mice immunization with rP22 induced a reduction in worm burden and in hepatic eggs. ► rP22 vaccination also induced a significant reduction in liver granuloma size. ► Protection was associated with elevated production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10.