Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetically inherited hemolytic disorder characterized by chronic inflam- mation. Cytokine expression affects the pivotal path- ways that contribute to disease pathogenesis, but the mechanisms involved are not well understood. SCA is associated with a proinflammatory state, and an en- hanced inflammatory response occurs during vaso- occlusive crisis. The immune system thus plays an important role in this inflammatory condition, with several cell types secreting pro-inflammatory cyto- kines that contribute to the occurrence of common cyclical events in SCA patients, such as hemolysis, vascular occlusion and inflammation. Studies of these cytokines and chemokines in SCA patients have clari- fied the mechanisms that underlie this disease and highlighted the need for a better understanding of cytokine participation in SCA pathophysiology