CD36 is a multifunctional membrane glycoprotein found on various cell types, including platelets, monocytes, macrophages, adipocytes, and endothelial cells. It functions as a scavenger receptor, recognizing oxidized lipids and lipoproteins, and is involved in the internalization of apoptotic cells, pathogens, and modified LDL, contributing to inflammatory and atherothrombotic diseases. CD36 also binds long-chain fatty acids, facilitating their uptake and playing a role in lipid metabolism, energy storage, and fat absorption, potentially contributing to metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity. In sensory cells, CD36 is involved in pheromone signaling and fatty food preference. CD36 signaling involves pathways that activate nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, MAPKs, and GEFs, modulate focal adhesion, and generate reactive oxygen species. CD36 is localized in cholesterol-rich membrane domains and interacts with other receptors. CD36's role in angiogenesis includes inhibiting pro-angiogenic signals and promoting anti-angiogenic signals, affecting tumor growth and wound healing. As a pattern recognition receptor, CD36 recognizes various ligands, including oxidized lipids, apoptotic cells, and pathogens, leading to pathogen internalization and inflammatory responses. CD36's involvement in atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease is significant, with its scavenger functions contributing to foam cell formation and pro-inflammatory responses. CD36 also plays a role in lipid uptake in adipocytes, muscle, and liver, influencing metabolic disorders. In the gut, CD36 aids in fatty acid absorption and carotenoid uptake. CD36's signaling pathways are conserved and involve interactions with other receptors, such as integrins and TLRs. CD36's functions are context-dependent, with its role in disease pathogenesis and therapeutic targets being an active area of research.CD36 is a multifunctional membrane glycoprotein found on various cell types, including platelets, monocytes, macrophages, adipocytes, and endothelial cells. It functions as a scavenger receptor, recognizing oxidized lipids and lipoproteins, and is involved in the internalization of apoptotic cells, pathogens, and modified LDL, contributing to inflammatory and atherothrombotic diseases. CD36 also binds long-chain fatty acids, facilitating their uptake and playing a role in lipid metabolism, energy storage, and fat absorption, potentially contributing to metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity. In sensory cells, CD36 is involved in pheromone signaling and fatty food preference. CD36 signaling involves pathways that activate nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, MAPKs, and GEFs, modulate focal adhesion, and generate reactive oxygen species. CD36 is localized in cholesterol-rich membrane domains and interacts with other receptors. CD36's role in angiogenesis includes inhibiting pro-angiogenic signals and promoting anti-angiogenic signals, affecting tumor growth and wound healing. As a pattern recognition receptor, CD36 recognizes various ligands, including oxidized lipids, apoptotic cells, and pathogens, leading to pathogen internalization and inflammatory responses. CD36's involvement in atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease is significant, with its scavenger functions contributing to foam cell formation and pro-inflammatory responses. CD36 also plays a role in lipid uptake in adipocytes, muscle, and liver, influencing metabolic disorders. In the gut, CD36 aids in fatty acid absorption and carotenoid uptake. CD36's signaling pathways are conserved and involve interactions with other receptors, such as integrins and TLRs. CD36's functions are context-dependent, with its role in disease pathogenesis and therapeutic targets being an active area of research.