CD36 is a heavily glycosylated 80kD integral membrane protein widely expressed on platelets, immune cells, adipocytes, myocytes, enterocytes, enteroendocrine cells, and other cell types. It is a member of the class B scavenger receptor family and functions as a pattern recognition receptor. CD36 has a diverse range of ligands and physiological functions, including the uptake of modified lipids and apoptotic cells, long-chain fatty acid transport, adhesion, and angiogenesis. It plays a role in various pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cardiomyopathy. In the gut, CD36 promotes absorption of long-chain fatty acids and participates in carotenoid uptake for vitamin A metabolism. It also acts as a receptor for thrombospondin-1 and several other proteins containing thrombospondin type I repeats, functioning as an endogenous negative regulator of angiogenesis on microvascular endothelial cells.