Cell death is a key driver of human disease. Processes linked to cell death, such as autophagy, further impact immune function, compounding disease pathology. Non-apoptotic cell death modalities (pyroptosis and necroptosis) are currently being investigated as opportunities for therapeutic intervention; however, the molecular pathways and physiological mechanisms controlling the dysfunction are ill-defined. In order to address this important knowledge gap, this symposium will present breaking research mapping the mechanisms by which cell death contributes to homeostasis and human disease, including mechanisms of cell clearance, the impact on pathogenesis and the implication for therapeutics.