Pharmacological (but not genetic) targeting of CCR1 significantly reduced lesion size, with protection observed only in males when both approaches were considered.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Our analysis suggests that inhibition of either CCR2 or CCR5 is protective in experimental atherosclerosis, while the effect of CCR1 intervention is less clear with potential beneficial effects in male populations. Here, CCR2 is linked to atherosclerosis.