Protective efficacy against Chlamydophila psittaci by oral immunization based on transgenic rice expressing MOMP in mice

► MOMP can be used as targets against Cp. psittaci that causes respiratory disease in poultry and humans. ► Transgenic rice expressing MOMP protein was constructed. ► Transgenic rice enhanced the Cp. psittaci-specific CTL and Th1 responses. ► Using transgenic rice seeds as an oral vaccine can generate protective immunity in mice. ► Transgenic rice can reduce the lung lesions of mice against virulent Cp. psittaci 6BC strain.