This functional dichotomy between ACKR3/CXCR7 and CXCR4 (Figure 1) poses a unique physiological scenario whereby a balance between pro- and anti-thrombotic responses can be fine-tuned in CAD patients, in whom platelet surface expression of both CXCR4 and ACKR3/CXCR7 are enhanced. The gene discussed is ACKR3; the disease is coronary artery disorder.