Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for treating sickle cell disease with A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin type 1 motif, member-13 (ADAMTS13). The disclosure provides a method for increasing ADAMTS13-mediated von Willebrand factor (VWF) cleavage in a subject suffering from sickle cell disease by administering ADAMTS13. The disclosure also provides a method of treating a vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) in a subject suffering from sickle cell disease by administering ADAMTS13 after the onset of the VOC. The disclosure also provides a method of preventing a VOC in a subject suffering from sickle cell disease by administering ADAMTS13 prior to the onset of the VOC. The disclosure also provides a method of determining the efficacy of a treatment for a VOC in a mouse model.