The role of scavenger receptor CD36 in atherogenesis: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives
Received: 2026-09-07
Published: 2026-09-02
Abstract
Scavenger receptor class B type 2 (CD36) is a multiligand transmembrane glycoprotein that combines the functions of a long-chain fatty acid transporter, an oxidised low-density lipoprotein receptor, a pattern-recognition receptor and an intracellular signalling platform. This review summarises current data on CD36 structure, including ectodomain crystallography, and on its role in atherogenesis: modified lipoprotein uptake, foam cell formation, activation of the CD36–TLR4/TLR6–NF-κB and CD36–TLR2 axes and of the NLRP3 inflammasome, mitochondrial oxidative stress, impaired efferocytosis and necrotic core formation. The evidence linking CD36 to coronary artery disease is appraised critically: global and cell-specific knockout models, including inducible deletion of the receptor in macrophages and endothelium, receptor expression in human plaques and monocytes, conflicting soluble CD36 data, genetic association studies, and the paradoxical phenotype of inherited CD36 deficiency. Selective peptide and azapeptide ligands, antisense oligonucleotides, targeting of post-translational modifications, and plaque-directed nanocarriers are discussed. CD36 remains one of the best-argued candidate targets for residual inflammatory risk in atherosclerosis, provided that the receptor is modulated cell-selectively rather than suppressed systemically.
Keywords
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