Receptor for different ligands such as phospholipids, cholesterol ester, lipoproteins, phosphatidylserine and apoptotic cells. Receptor for HDL, mediating selective uptake of cholesteryl ether and HDL-dependent cholesterol efflux. Also facilitates the flux of free and esterified cholesterol between the cell surface and apoB-containing lipoproteins and modified lipoproteins, although less efficiently than HDL. May be involved in the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, via its phosphatidylserine binding activity. The C-terminal region binds to PDZK1. Predominantly localized to cholesterol and sphingomyelin-enriched domains within the plasma membrane, called caveolae. N-glycosylated. The six cysteines of the extracellular domain are all involved in intramolecular disulfide bonds. Belongs to the CD36 family.