ASGR1 (asialoglycoprotein receptor 1) is a hepatocyte-specific C-type lectin that primarily functions as a pattern recognition receptor mediating endocytosis and lysosomal degradation of asialoglycoproteins 12. The receptor binds specifically to N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residues in a calcium-dependent manner 2. ASGR1 plays a crucial role in cholesterol metabolism by regulating LXRα stability through mTORC1 and AMPK signaling pathways, ultimately promoting cholesterol excretion via ABCA1 and ABCG5/G8 transporters while inhibiting lipogenesis through SREBP1 suppression 1. The receptor also maintains liver homeostasis by facilitating lysosomal degradation of GP73, an endoplasmic reticulum stress mediator, with deficiency leading to increased hepatic injury 3. Beyond its hepatic functions, ASGR1 serves as an alternative SARS-CoV-2 receptor, enabling ACE2-independent viral entry 4. Disease relevance includes cardiovascular protection through cholesterol regulation, liver injury susceptibility, and potential roles in cancer progression 135. Therapeutically, ASGR1 represents a promising target for hypocholesterolemic drugs and cardiovascular disease prevention, with neutralizing antibodies showing efficacy in preclinical models 16.