CLEC8A or OLR1 is a member of C-type lectin super family. It is the receptor that mediates the recognition and degradation of low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) by vascular endothelial cells. OxLDL is a marker of atherosclerosis that induces vascular endothelial cell activation and dysfunction, resulting in inflammatory responses, pro-oxidative conditions and apoptosis. OLR1 ligation with oxLDL induces the activation of NF-kappa-B through an increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen and a variety of pro-atherogenic cellular responses including a reduction of nitric oxide (NO) release, Monocyte adhesion and apoptosis. OLR1 is highly expressed in vascular rich organs, like placenta, liver, lungs and brain. CLEC8A has been reported to be associated with diseases, like atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and Alzheimer's disease. Alternative splicing produces three isoforms of CLEC8A or OLR1 whose exact function is yet to be ascertained.