Methods and compositions for modulating cell death by contacting a cell with an Spi2A polypeptide or an Spi2A polypeptide equivalent are disclosed. In addition, methods of treating a subject by providing the subject a composition that includes an Spi2A polypeptide or an Spi2A polypeptide equivalent are disclosed. The Spi2A polypeptide and Spi2A polypeptide equivalent can be delivered to the subject using gene therapy techniques. The subject can be a patient with a disease associated with an abnormal rate of cell death, such as septic shock or myocardial infarction. Also disclosed are methods of preparing and storing donor granulocytes, involving contacting the donor granulocytes with an Spi2A polypeptide or an Spi2A polypeptide equivalent.