Although the high detection rate of Cpn specific antigens in carotid atherosclerotic plaque tissue in a Chinese population cannot establish etiological causality, combined with the results of a series of animal experiments conducted by Fong et al., pathogens such as Cpn and CMV may have a positive effect on the formation of AS and can be risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis. The gene discussed is CPN1; the disease is carotid atherosclerosis.