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Club Cell Protein 16 (CC16)

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

CC16 is a protein secreted by club cells in the respiratory tract, serving as a biomarker for lung epithelial injury and inflammation.

Quick summary

CC16 is a biomarker for assessing lung epithelial injury and inflammation.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
ng/mL
Clinical utility
diagnostic
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Roche CC16, BioVendor CC16
interpretation: {"text":"May indicate compromised lung function or chronic lung diseases such as COPD.","label":"Low Levels"}; {"text":"May suggest acute lung injury, asthma, or other inflammatory conditions affecting the respiratory tract.","label":"High Levels"}

Club Cell Protein 16 (CC16), also known as Clara cell secretory protein, is a protein primarily produced by club cells in the bronchiolar epithelium. It plays a role in protecting the respiratory tract by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Serum levels of CC16 are used diagnostically to evaluate lung epithelial injury and inflammation. Elevated levels may indicate damage to the respiratory epithelium, while decreased levels can suggest compromised lung function.

The reference range for CC16 is typically between 0–10 ng/mL. Deviations from this range can aid in the diagnosis of various pulmonary conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute lung injury.

Frequently asked questions

What is the normal range for CC16?
The normal range for CC16 is typically between 0–10 ng/mL.
What conditions can cause elevated CC16 levels?
Elevated CC16 levels can be caused by acute lung injury, asthma, and other inflammatory conditions affecting the respiratory tract.
  1. 1
    Club Cell Protein 16 as a Biomarker of Lung Epithelial InjurySource
  2. 2
    Role of CC16 in Respiratory DiseasesSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy