Recombinant Sindbis Viruses Expressing a Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Epitope of a Malaria Parasite or of Influenza Virus Elicit Protection against the Corresponding Pathogen in Mice

Subcutaneous administration in mice of recombinant Sindbis viruses expressing a class I major histocompatibility complex-restricted 9-mer epitope of the Plasmodium yoelii circumsporozoite protein or the nucleoprotein of influenza virus induces a large epitope-specific CD8(+) T-cell response. This immunization also elicits a high degree of protection against infection with malaria or influenza A virus.