Potential relevant mechanisms are as follows: first, the development of carotid vulnerable plaque is associated with processes such as inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage vascular endothelial cells, form foam cells, and activate cell surface receptors on monocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, thereby initiating the inflammatory process and promoting the progression of atherosclerosis (plaque) [30–32]. This evidence concerns the gene CD177 and atherosclerosis.