Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are terminally differentiated cells with a short life span, in the blood circulation. The prolongation of the life span of PMN is critical in their effectiveness against pathogens, in particular in the tissues. This review summarizes the effect of cytokines on PMN apoptosis and points to some examples of pathological situations characterized by inappropriate cytokine production associated with dysregulation of PMN apoptosis.