In vivo deuterium labelling in mice supports a dynamic model for memory T-cell maintenance in the bone marrow.

The maintenance and dynamics of memory T-cells in the bone marrow are a matter of ongoing debate. It has been suggested that memory T-cells in the bone marrow are maintained as long-lived, quiescent cells. We have recently shown that memory T-cells isolated from goat bone marrow undergo self-renewal and recirculate via the blood and lymph. Using the well-established memory T-cell markers CD44 and CD62 L we here show very similar results in mice. This provides further support for the concept that memory T-cells are continuously self-renewing and recirculating between blood, bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes.