FgSAP-1 protein was expressed at high level in caecal epithelium of early stages of F. gigantica. Recombinant saposin-like protein 1 (rFgSAP-1) exhibited vaccine potential against F. gigantica infection in mice. Vaccination with rFgSAP-1 showed high levels of protection at 73.2–74.3%. Vaccination with rFgSAP-1 reduced the pathological lesions of livers. Vaccination with rFgSAP-1 showed a mixed Th1/Th2 response with Th2 predominating.