Abstract: This disclosure provides isolated antibodies that bind specifically to MerTK expressed on the surface of a cell and inhibit efferocytosis by the MerTK-expressing cell. The disclosure provides methods for treating a subject afflicted with a cancer comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-MerTK antibody as monotherapy or in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor, such as an anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody.