CD36 belongs to the scavenger receptor class B (SR-B), a family of highly glycosylated transmembrane receptors with a wide range of ligand recognition sites. It has been reported that glycosylation of CD36 is required for trafficking of intracellular CD36 to the cell surface membrane. Because of its wide range of ligands, CD36 has plenty of functions, including but not limited to recognizing and ingesting lipids, participating in the process of inflammatory response, signal transduction, and apoptosis. The expression occurs in monocytes/macrophages and microglia as well as various other cells and tissues, including microvascular endothelial cells, platelets, adipocytes, and the heart. CD36 promotes the podocyte injury in many kidney diseases including primary nephrotic syndrome, obesity-related glomerulopathy, and diabetic nephropathy. Moreover, genetic knockout or antagonist blockade of CD36 could alleviate kidney injury indicating that CD36 is a potential therapeutic target.