The ability of CD8⁺ T‐cells to induce prostate inflammation was examined using a prostate ovalbumin expressing transgenic mouse (POET) and/or adoptive transfer of T‐cell receptor (TCR) transgenic T‐cells (OT‐I) that specifically recognize ovalbumin. Localization of inflammatory cells to prostate tissue was examined following T‐cell activation via endogenous prostatic antigen, recombinant type 5 adenovirus carrying the gene coding ovalbumin (Ad5‐mOVA), or adoptive transfer of in vitro antigen stimulated OT‐I cells.

Ovalbumin specific OT‐I cells were activated by autologous prostate antigen and trafficked to the prostate, but did not induce inflammation unless present in overwhelming numbers (∼65% of CD8⁺ T‐cells). Activation of antigen specific CD8⁺ T‐cells in vitro (peptide pulsed antigen presenting cells) or in vivo (Ad5‐mOVA) induced transitory prostate inflammation, without induction of prostate pathology, regardless of CD4⁺ T‐cell availability. Inflammation also was observed in OT‐I × POET mice but again, pathological effects were not observed.

T lymphocytes specific for a prostate antigen are capable of inducing inflammatory infiltration of prostatic tissue rapidly following activation, but do not produce pathological prostate injury. Prostate 66:578–590, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.