CXCR4 and atherosclerosis: Another molecular radio-imaging study employing a CXCR4-specific tracer in a murine model of atherosclerosis revealed increased EC CXCR4 expression in sites of endothelial injury and progressive plaques, which were correlated with increased monocyte recruitment, implying that CXCR4-targeted molecular imaging might be utilized in monitoring plaque injury, plaque progression and monocyte recruitment [120].