Involved in the transfer of neutral lipids, including cholesteryl ester and triglyceride, among lipoprotein particles. Allows the net movement of cholesteryl ester from high density lipoproteins/HDL to triglyceride-rich very low density lipoproteins/VLDL, and the equimolar transport of triglyceride from VLDL to HDL (PubMed:3600759, PubMed:24293641, PubMed:3281933). Regulates the reverse cholesterol transport, by which excess cholesterol is removed from peripheral tissues and returned to the liver for elimination (PubMed:17237796). cholesteryl (9Z-octadecenoate)(in) = cholesteryl (9Z-octadecenoate)(out) 1,2,3-tri-(9Z-octadecenoyl)-glycerol(in) = 1,2,3-tri-(9Z-octadecenoyl)-glycerol(out) cholesteryl (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoate(in) = cholesteryl (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoate(out) Secreted in plasma. Expressed by the liver and secreted in plasma. Genetic variations in CETP define the high density lipoprotein cholesterol level quantitative trait locus 10 (HDLCQ10) [MIM:143470]. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the BPI/LBP/Plunc superfamily. BPI/LBP family. Cholesterylester transfer protein entry