CD36 and macrophages in atherosclerosis.
CD36 is a multi-ligand scavenger receptor present on the surface of a number of cells such as platelets, monocytes/macrophages, endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Monocyte/macrophage CD36 has been shown to play a critical role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions by its capacity to bind and endocytose oxidized low density lipoproteins (OxLDL), and it is implicated in the formation of foam cells. However, the significance of CD36 in atherosclerosis has recently been called into question by different studies, and therefore its exact role still needs to be clarified. The aim of this article is to carefully review the importance of CD36 as an essential component in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Collot-Teixeira
Sophie
S
Cardiovascular Division, King's College, London, UK. sophie.collot@kcl.ac.uk
Martin
Juliette
J
McDermott-Roe
Chris
C
Poston
Robin
R
McGregor
John Louis
JL
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D018955:CD36 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D023421:Models, Animal; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D018955:CD36 Antigens; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; C099252:oxidized low density lipoprotein