Cytokines and chemokines induce the migration, activation, proliferation, and/or differentiation of inflammatory cells and resident cells, and participate in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune diseases. Some of these molecules are effective therapeutic targets. Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and anti-interleukin (IL)-6 therapies are effective in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and have markedly altered the therapeutic strategies for this disease. In ischemic kidney disease, cytokines and chemokines also play key roles in the progression of tissue destruction or remodeling. Accumulated data regarding ischemic kidney disease suggested that chemokines or chemokine receptors participate in unique pathological changes at particular time points in renal injury. Some molecules involved in these cytokine/chemokine cascades are potential therapeutic targets. In addition to antagonists for single chemokine receptors, promiscuous antagonists for chemokine receptors are currently under investigation. Further studies are needed to develop cytokine- and chemokine-based therapeutic strategies for ischemic kidney injury.