Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that determine whether inflammation resolves or progresses to scarring and tissue destruction should lead to the development of effective therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases. Apoptosis of neutrophil granulocytes is an important determinant of the resolution of inflammation, providing a mechanism for down-regulation of function and triggering clearance by macrophages without inducing a pro-inflammatory response. However, if the rate of cell death by apoptosis is such that the macrophage clearance capacity is exceeded, apoptotic cells may progress to secondary necrosis, resulting in the release of harmful cellular contents and in damage to the surrounding tissue. There are many possible ways in which the rate and capacity of the macrophage-mediated clearance of apoptotic cells may be enhanced or suppressed. Ligation of human macrophage surface CD44 by bivalent monoclonal antibodies rapidly and profoundly augments the capacity of macrophages to phagocytose apoptotic neutrophils in vitro. The molecular mechanism behind this effect and its potential significance in vivo is a current focus of research.