Apoptosis is the primary mechanism by which cells die physiologically and is ongoing throughout life in multicellular organisms. The magnitude of apoptosis (in humans, about 1011 cells die apoptotically each day) demands an efficient system for corpse recognition and clearance. Indeed, the rapid clearance of apoptotic cells is a key homeostatic process, representing a final step of the physiological cell death program. Moreover, apoptotic cells are potently immunosuppressive, and their clearance occurs in the absence of inflammation. Recognition and inflammatory modulation represent key elements of an innate immunity that discriminates live from effete cells. While many molecular details remain to be elucidated, the broad outlines of the process of apoptotic cell recognition and clearance have come into focus over recent years. Further, it is apparent that these mechanisms play profound roles in a broad range of distinct physiological and pathological processes, ranging from the shaping neurological networks to microbial pathogenesis. The examination these disparate settings both enlarges our appreciation of the significance of the apoptotic processes and provides unique insights that enhance molecular characterizations and potential therapeutic interventions. This seventh meeting of the Apoptotic Cell Recognition and Clearance Gordon Research Conference will explore molecular details of apoptotic cell recognition and clearance mechanisms throughout evolution, including apoptotic immune regulation. We also will focus on the pathogenic subversion of mechanisms of apoptotic cell clearance. This meeting will bring together investigators who are at the forefront of these fields to present and discuss new findings and important issues, and will provide an excellent opportunity for more junior scientists and graduate students to present their work in poster format and participate in discussions. Some poster presenters will be selected to give short talks. The accompanying Gordon Research Seminar will provide additional opportunities for students and post-doctoral fellows to network, prepare for the GRC, and present their work orally. We invite applications from all interested individuals.