Mutant mice deficient in milk fat globule—EGF factor8 (lactadherin), liver X receptor transcription factor alpha/beta,peroxisome proliferator activator receptor transcription factorgamma, and proto-oncogene c-mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) differedfrom wild-type controls and varied in their contribution touptake in bone marrow, spleen, and liver. Annexin A1 and Timd4were also utilized to determine tissue-specific dynamics andexpression of different phagocytic mediators. Gene expression analysis demonstrated preservation of distinct core signatures, but phagocytosis imprinted a distinct anti-inflammatory profile, upregulation of CD163 and of CD206, the macrophage mannose receptor, and decrease of the pro-inflammatory expression of IL-1 beta. Expression of CD206 made it possible to identify phagocytic macrophages in the steady state in the absence of experimental manipulation. Clearance activity confirmed the diurnal rhythm of neutrophil turnover. Several interesting aspects of this study require further study: the role of variation in apoptotic rate in neutrophils, the impact of non-circulating apoptotic cells,