The ability of VLP formulations containing E 8 Pam 2 Cys to induce a cell-meditated immune response was examined by inoculating transgenic mice expressing the MHC class I (HLA-A2) allele but not endogenous H-2D b molecules [28] . Control transgenic animals were inoculated with VLPs alone or VLPs emulsified with an equal amount of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Splenocytes from vaccinated animals were obtained 28 days post-inoculation and re-stimulated with antigen in vitro. The results ( Figure 6 ) of an ELISPOT assay carried out revealed significantly higher numbers of HCV VLP-specific IFN-c producing cells in the spleens of mice inoculated with VLPs in the presence of E 8 Pam 2 Cys or VLPs emulsified in CFA than in those that received VLPs alone.