A defect in cell death of macrophages is a conserved feature of nonobese diabetic mouse

► NOD macrophages were resistant to apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death. ► Resistance to cell death was associated with an elevated expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-XL. ► NOD macrophages were sensitized to cell death by ABT-737 that inhibits Bcl-XL function.