To facilitate future research exploring the role of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in CAD, this review aims to discuss the current concept of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in atherosclerosis, injury-induced vascular restenosis and MI in relation to its role in progenitor cell mobilization and biological functions in atherosclerosis-relevant cell types. This evidence concerns the gene CXCL12 and atherosclerosis.