Methods are provided to specifically modulate the activation of monocytes and/or macrophages. Administration of integrin linked kinase (ILK) blocking agents; compounds that otherwise prevent the binding of natural ILK ligands to ILK; or compounds that prevent expression of, or signaling through ILK exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 expression, at the level of transcription by suppressing the activation of NF-.kappa.B. The modulation of activation through ILK is used to regulate immune processes at targeted sites, for example to decrease undesirable inflammatory responses.