Receptor for different ligands such as phospholipids, cholesterol ester, lipoproteins, phosphatidylserine and apoptotic cells (By similarity). Both isoform 1 and isoform 2 act as receptors for HDL, mediating selective uptake of cholesteryl ether and HDL-dependent cholesterol efflux (PubMed:9254074, PubMed:9614139). 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 (By similarity). The C-terminal region binds to PDZK1. Predominantly localized to cholesterol and sphingomyelin-enriched domains within the plasma membrane, called caveolae. Expressed primarily in liver, ovary and adrenal gland, and, at lower levels in other non-placental steroidogenic tissues, including adipose tissue, mammary gland and testis (at protein level) (PubMed:8560269, PubMed:9254074, PubMed:9614139). Isoform 2 is expressed at lower levels than isoform 1 in liver, testis and adrenal gland (PubMed:9614139). At the mRNA, but not at the protein level, isoform 2 is the predominant isoform in testis (80%) (PubMed:9254074). Both isoform 1 and isoform 2 are up-regulated in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). N-glycosylated. The six cysteines of the extracellular domain are all involved in intramolecular disulfide bonds. Belongs to the CD36 family.