T-cell recognition of a prostate specific antigen is not sufficient to induce prostate tissue destruction

METHODS. 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-1) 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. RESULTS. Ovalbumin specific OT-1 cells were activated by autologous prostate antigen and trafficked to the prostate, but did not induce inflammation unless present in overwhelming numbers (similar to 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-1 x POET mice but again, pathological effects were not observed. CONCLUSIONS. 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.