It is important to note that the use of the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis as a therapeutic target in the treatment of atherosclerosis has been shown to be complicated by the functional heterogeneity of CXCR4 on different cells and its involvement in the regulation of homeostasis, angiogenesis and tissue repair [26]. Here, CXCL12 is linked to atherosclerosis.