Mucosal immunity against Eimeria acervulina infection in broiler chickens following oral immunization with profilin in Montanide™ adjuvants

► Chickens immunized with profilin plus Montanide IMS 1313 showed reduced fecal oocyst shedding. ► Immunization with profilin plus Montanide IMS 1313 induced higher percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the intestine. ► The adjuvant-vaccine combination increased protective immunity against oral Eimeria acervulina challenge infection.