CXCR4 and atherosclerosis: In the context of atherosclerosis, interference with MIF binding to both CXCR2 and CXCR4 by using a MIF blocking antibody interfered with MIF’s pro-atherosclerotic functions (Bernhagen et al., 2007), while it would leave the protective homeostatic functions of the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis preserved (Koenen and Weber, 2010).