Provided are methods of treating a mammal undergoing sepsis or at risk for sepsis. Also provided are methods of preventing or treating a physiologic effect of sepsis in a mammal. Additionally provided is the use of milk fat globule epidermal growth factor-factor VIII (MFG-E8) for the manufacture of a medicament for preventing or treating a physiologic effect of sepsis in a mammal, and the use of milk fat globule epidermal growth factor-factor VIII (MFG-E8) for the treatment of a mammal having sepsis or at risk for sepsis.
