Pathogenesis of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) involve pro-inflammatory changes within the microbiota, chronic immune-mediated inflammatory responses, and epithelial dysfunction. Converging data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), mouse models of IBD, and clinical trials indicate that cytokines are key effectors of both normal homeostasis and chronic inflammation in the gut. Yet still many questions remain concerning the role of specific cytokines in different IBDs, within distinct regions of the gut, and with regard cellular mechanisms of action. Here we review current and emerging concepts concerning the role of cytokines in IBD, with a focus on immune regulation, T cell subsets, and potential clinical applications.