OR1L8 is an olfactory receptor located on chromosome 9 that functions as an odorant receptor with activity at the plasma membrane and involvement in signal transduction. Based on limited published evidence, OR1L8 expression is upregulated in monocytes from people with HIV who demonstrate enhanced foam cell formation ex vivo 1, suggesting a potential role in HIV-associated atherosclerosis pathways, though the specific odorant ligand and mechanistic contribution remain undefined.