Receptor for different ligands such as phospholipids, cholesterol ester, lipoproteins, phosphatidylserine and apoptotic cells (PubMed:12016218, PubMed:12519372, PubMed:21226579). Receptor for HDL, mediating selective uptake of cholesteryl ether and HDL-dependent cholesterol efflux (PubMed:26965621). 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 (PubMed:12016218). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:12016218, ECO:0000269|PubMed:12519372, ECO:0000269|PubMed:16020694, ECO:0000269|PubMed:21226579, ECO:0000269|PubMed:26965621}. (Microbial infection) Acts as a receptor for hepatitis C virus in hepatocytes and appears to facilitate its cell entry (PubMed:12356718, PubMed:12913001, PubMed:18000990). Binding between SCARB1 and the hepatitis C virus glycoprotein E2 is independent of the genotype of the viral isolate (PubMed:12356718). . (Microbial infection) Mediates uptake of M.fortuitum, E.coli and S.aureus. . (Microbial infection) Facilitates the entry of human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by acting as an entry cofactor through HDL binding. . This is the function of SCARB1 (scavenger receptor class B member 1, ENSG00000073060).