The recombinant tuberculosis vaccine rBCG ΔureC::hly+ induces apoptotic vesicles for improved priming of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells

► Macrophages infected with recombinant (r) BCG become apoptotic. ► Apoptotic vesicles contain antigenic cargo. ► Engulfment of apoptotic vesicles by dendritic cells results in crosspriming. ► Crosspriming leads to better T cell stimulation. ► Superior protection by rBCG involves crosspriming.