Oral application of freeze-dried yeast particles expressing the PCV2b Cap protein on their surface induce protection to subsequent PCV2b challenge in vivo

Highlights • PCV2 is the underlying cause for an economically devastating disease of pigs. • Vaccine construct was PCV2b Cap protein expressed on the surface of yeast. • Oral vaccination of freeze-dried yeast-Cap did not induce negative side effects. • Application protected pigs from subsequent PCV2b challenge. • Vaccination reduced pro-inflammatory but increased antiviral cytokine expression.