CD36 is a membrane glycoprotein present on various cell types, including platelets, mononuclear phagocytes, adipocytes, hepatocytes, myocytes, and some epithelia. It functions as a scavenger receptor, recognizing specific oxidized phospholipids and lipoproteins, and plays a role in internalizing apoptotic cells, certain pathogens, and modified low-density lipoproteins, contributing to inflammatory responses and atherothrombotic diseases. CD36 also binds long-chain fatty acids and facilitates their transport into cells, affecting muscle lipid utilization, adipose energy storage, and gut fat absorption, which may contribute to metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity. On sensory cells, CD36 is involved in insect pheromone signaling and rodent fatty food preference. The signaling pathways downstream of CD36 involve nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and Vav family guanine nucleotide exchange factors, as well as focal adhesion constituents and intracellular reactive oxygen species. CD36 is localized in cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains and may interact with other membrane receptors. Understanding the precise signaling pathways of CD36 in specific cells and ligands may lead to novel drug targets for various disorders.CD36 is a membrane glycoprotein present on various cell types, including platelets, mononuclear phagocytes, adipocytes, hepatocytes, myocytes, and some epithelia. It functions as a scavenger receptor, recognizing specific oxidized phospholipids and lipoproteins, and plays a role in internalizing apoptotic cells, certain pathogens, and modified low-density lipoproteins, contributing to inflammatory responses and atherothrombotic diseases. CD36 also binds long-chain fatty acids and facilitates their transport into cells, affecting muscle lipid utilization, adipose energy storage, and gut fat absorption, which may contribute to metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity. On sensory cells, CD36 is involved in insect pheromone signaling and rodent fatty food preference. The signaling pathways downstream of CD36 involve nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and Vav family guanine nucleotide exchange factors, as well as focal adhesion constituents and intracellular reactive oxygen species. CD36 is localized in cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains and may interact with other membrane receptors. Understanding the precise signaling pathways of CD36 in specific cells and ligands may lead to novel drug targets for various disorders.