Atherosclerosis:Role of the scavenger receptor CD36

CD36 is involved not only in the metabolism of lipids,but also in the inflammatory reaction,in the formation of foam cells and in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.Monocyte/macrophage CD36 has been shown to play a critical role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions by its capacity to bind and en-docytose oxidized low density lipoproteins(oxLDL),and it is implicated in the formation of foam cells.CD36 expression and regulation mechanism already provides a new understanding and the relevant drug research has attracted more attention of scholars.This article is to carefully review the importance of CD36 as an essential component in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Key words: CD36; Macrophage; Atherosclerosis