ObjectiveTo explore the role of CXCL16/CXCR6 axis on the metastasis of human lung cancer.MethodsImmunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry analysis were performed to detect the expression of CXCL16/CXCR6 in human lung cancer samples as well as A549,95D and H292 cell lines,respectively.The effects of CXCL16 on the viability and invasiveness of the three lung cancer cell lines were examined by MTT and in vitro invasion assay,respectively.ResultsHuman native lung cancer cells co-expressed CXCR6 and CXCL16 protein.Compared to the normal lung tissues,there was a stronger specific staining for both CXC16 and CXCR6 protein in the lung cancer tissues.Three kinds of lung cancer cell lines,including A549,95D and H292,all expressed CXCL16 and CXCR6 protein.Furthermore,human recombinant CXCL16 significantly promoted the viability and invasiveness of A549,95D and H292 cells.The stimulated action of CXCL16 on lung cancer cell lines could be effectively blocked by CXCL16 neutralizing antibody.Conclusion CXCL16 and CXCR6 protein are co-expressed in human native lung cancer.CXCL16 is able to promote the viability and invasiveness of lung cancer cell lines,which might be the molecular mechanisms on the metastasis of lung cancer.