UCSF is...
One of Parker Institute's core academic centers, advancing a shared mission to harness the immune system to fight cancer. At UCSF, investigators combine synthetic biology, functional genomics, in vivo immune-cell engineering, and translational oncology to uncover new therapeutic targets and build more precise, durable, and effective cell therapies.
Vision & Mission
Our mission is to unite UCSF’s strengths in cancer immunology, synthetic biology, genomics, and clinical translation with the PICI network to stimulate innovation, enable cross-network collaboration, and translate cutting-edge discoveries into transformative therapies for cancer patients.
Guiding Statement
PICI at UCSF promotes ambitious, collaborative science that moves rapidly from mechanistic insight to therapeutic design — and from the laboratory toward clinical impact.
Areas of Scientific Interest
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Understanding tumor–immune interactions, resistance, and immune-cell state in solid tumors.
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Engineering next-generation immune cells with synthetic receptors, signaling programs, and control circuits.
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Using CRISPR and functional genomics to identify targets that improve T-cell fitness, persistence, and antitumor activity.
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Translating discoveries into safer, more precise and durable cellular therapies and combination strategies.
Collaboration & Strategic Alliances
PICI’s collaborative model is designed to remove barriers between institutions and disciplines. UCSF Innovation Ventures works with faculty, PICI and external partners to help advance high-potential discoveries through sponsored research, strategic alliances, translational collaborations, and commercialization pathways.
PARTNER WITH UCSF → Explore opportunities to translate breakthrough immuno-oncology science into patient impact.
For additional information about UCSF collaboration and partnership opportunities, please contact Olivia Roberson, PhD, Senior Alliance & Business Development Manager, UCSF Innovation Ventures: [email protected]
UCSF PICI Related Newcos
Azalea Therapeutics • Moonlight Bio • Dispatch Biotherapeutics • Arsenal Bio • Seen Therapeutics
For additional information about investment opportunities in these startups or other UCSF technologies available for licensing, contact Gemma Rooney, PhD, Assistant Director, Strategic Partnerships & Licensing, UCSF Innovation Ventures: [email protected]
EXPLORE UCSF TECHNOLOGIES → Browse UCSF technologies available for partnership and licensing
LEARN MORE ABOUT PICI → Visit the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy parkerici.org