Scavenger receptors bind and internalize modified lipoproteins. There are several different classes of scavenger receptors in mammalian cells and their relative contribution to lipid transport in normal physiology and pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis has been the subject of intense investigation. Mice with a disruption in the macrophage scavenger receptor SR‐A gene exhibit a reduced size of atherosclerotic lesions and also exhibit an enhanced susceptibility to pathogens and endotoxic shock. In addition to their role in lipid transport, scavenger receptors play important roles in host defence and in the regulation of acquired immunity. Recent progress in delineating the mechanisms by which oxidized LDL effects changes in gene expression will be reviewed. Curr Opin Lipidol 9:425–432. © 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins