Methods are provided for inhibiting cell death or inflammation in a mammal concurrent with or after the onset of a condition expected to lead to cell death or inflammation. The methods each include the step of administering to a mammal a Bcl protein in an amount sufficient to inhibit cell death or inflammation in the mammal. Methods are also provided for identifying a Bcl protein that inhibits cell death or inflammation when administered to a mammal concurrent with or after the onset of a condition expected to lead to cell death or inflammation.