CD36/SR-B2

CD36, now termed scavenger receptor class B member 2 (SR-B2), is a heavily glycosylated two-transmembrane glycoprotein recognized as a central fatty acid translocase. On platelets, adipocytes, muscle and endothelium it imports long-chain fatty acids, while in macrophages it mediates uptake of oxidized LDL, contributing to foam cell formation. Additional ligands include thrombospondin-1, which links CD36 to anti-angiogenic signaling, and lipids exposed on Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes. Genetic variants influencing CD36 expression associate with metabolic syndrome traits, making the receptor a target in cardiometabolic drug discovery. Platelet CD36 also binds oxidized phospholipids and contributes to platelet hyperreactivity in dyslipidemia.