CXCL12 and atherosclerosis: This observation is interesting since CXCR4 as well as the CXCR4 ligands CXCL12 and MIF have been implicated in atherogenesis and CAD: For CXCR4 itself, recent regression analyses have shown an association of the common CXCR4 variant rs2322864, which reduces CXCR4 expression in carotid artery plaques, with increased risk for CAD in humans, and vascular CXCR4 was shown to reduce atherosclerosis by maintaining arterial integrity.