Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by the increased survival of lamina propria leucocytes and ulcerations and an increased epithelial leakiness that compromise the barrier function of the epithelial lining. Deregulated apoptosis seems to be a major cause of the impaired barrier function and of leucocyte survival. This review focuses on the regulation of epithelial and leucocyte apoptosis in the IBD colon. Furthermore, the implications for present and future therapeutic strategies are discussed.