It is important to note that out of the eight β subunits, β1 is the only subunit known to pair with α9, suggesting that α9 deletion in myeloid cells should completely prevent the expression of α9β1 without affecting other integrins pairing with β1 subunit, including α2β1, α4β1, α5β1, and α6β1.19 Thus, the α9-deficient genetic model eliminates integrin α9β1 expression, allowing us to examine its unique contribution to atherosclerosis pathophysiology while preserving the function of other integrins in myeloid cells. This evidence concerns the gene IGKV1D-22 and atherosclerosis.