The chemokine CC ligand 16 (CCL16) is a small molecule cytokine in the CC chemokine family, also known as NCC-4, liver-expressed chemokine (LEC), and lymphocyte and monocyte chemokine (LMC). This chemokine is expressed by the liver, thymus and spleen and is chemotactic for monocytes and lymphocytes. Cellular expression of CCL16 can be strongly induced in monocytes by IL-10, IFN-γ and bacterial lipopolysaccharide. In addition, CCL16 triggers its effects on cells by interacting with cell surface chemokine receptors (e.g. CCR1, CCR2, CCR5 and CCR8). This chemokine inhibits the rapid proliferation of bone marrow precursor cells.