CD36, also known as scavenger receptor class B member 3, is a protein that is expressed on the surface of various cell types, including macrophages, platelets, and adipocytes. It plays a role in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and atherosclerosis, and is involved in the recognition and uptake of various ligands such as oxidized low-density lipoproteins, long-chain fatty acids, and apoptotic cells. CD36 is also implicated in the pathogenesis of malaria. The protein encoded by this gene serves as a receptor for thrombospondin in platelets and various cell lines, and is the fourth major glycoprotein of the platelet surface. It binds to collagen, thrombospondin, anionic phospholipids, and oxidized LDL, and directly mediates cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum parasitized erythrocytes. Mutations in this gene cause platelet glycoprotein deficiency. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene. Diseases associated with CD36 include Platelet Glycoprotein IV Deficiency and Coronary Heart Disease 7.