Antigen Description
Platelet glycoprotein 4, also known as Leukocyte differentiation antigen CD36, GPIIIB, GP3B, FAT, and CD36, is integral membrane protein found on the surface of many cell types in vertebrate animals. It belongs to the CD36 family and is found on platelets, erythrocytes, monocytes, differentiated adipocytes, mammary epithelial cells, spleen cells and some skin microdermal endothelial cells. CD36 has also been implicated in hemostasis, thrombosis, malaria, inflammation, lipid metabolism and atherogenesis. CD36 seems to have numerous potential physiological functions. It binds to collagen, thrombospondin, anionic phospholipids and oxidized LDL. It directly mediates cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum parasitized erythrocytes and binds long chain fatty acids. CD36 may also function as a cell adhesion molecule and in the transport and/or as a regulator of fatty acid transport. Defects in CD36 are the cause of platelet glycoprotein IV deficiency also known as CD36 deficiency. As a receptor for thrombospondin 1, CD36 plays a role in the regulation of angiogenesis, which may be a therapeutic strategy for controlling the dissemination of malignant neoplasms.