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Immune Regulation of CD36 in Cardiovascular Diseases

Yujie Zha1, Lili Bao1, Cong Bi2

  • 1Department of Vascular Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.

Immunology
|August 17, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The scavenger receptor CD36 plays a key role in cardiovascular disease by regulating immune cell function and metabolism. Understanding CD36

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • CD36 is a multifunctional membrane protein crucial for integrating metabolic and inflammatory pathways in cardiovascular pathophysiology.
  • Its role in fatty acid uptake is known, but its specific immunoregulatory functions in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the specific immunoregulatory mechanisms of CD36 in prevalent cardiovascular conditions.
  • To examine CD36's effects on immune cells involved in CVDs and its role as both a lipid transporter and signaling receptor.
  • To critically assess the therapeutic potential of targeting CD36 for novel interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current research on CD36's role in immune cell function and cardiovascular pathophysiology.
  • Analysis of CD36's impact on macrophages and atherosclerosis.
  • Evaluation of CD36 inhibitors, antibodies, and insights from CD36 deficiency studies.

Main Results:

  • CD36, as a lipid transporter and signaling receptor, regulates immune cell fate and function, notably influencing macrophages in atherosclerosis.
  • Targeting CD36 presents therapeutic potential, with ongoing development of inhibitors and antibodies.
  • Studies on human CD36 deficiency offer paradoxical insights into its complex roles.

Conclusions:

  • CD36 is a critical immunomodulator in cardiovascular diseases, bridging metabolic and inflammatory processes.
  • Targeting CD36 offers a promising avenue for developing novel immunometabolism-based interventions for CVDs.
  • Further research is needed to fully harness CD36's therapeutic potential while navigating complexities highlighted by deficiency studies.

Keywords:
CD36cardiovascular diseasesimmune regulation

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