CD36 is a class B scavenger receptor composed of short amino-terminal and carboxy-terminal cytoplasmic domains, two transmembrane domains, and a large glycosylated extracellular domain. Since thrombospondins are widely distributed proteins involved in a variety of adhesive processes, it may have important functions as a cell adhesion molecule. It directly mediates cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum parasitized erythrocytes and it binds long chain fatty acids and may function in the transport and/or as a regulator of fatty acid transport. The CD36 receptor participates in the innate immune response by acting as a pattern recognition receptor for lipid components of bacterial cell walls and fungal beta-glucans .
