UCSF Health’s Adam Blaisdell, MD, PhD, has been selected as an IGNITE fellow by the Cancer Research Institute (CRI), a New York-based nonprofit that funds and promotes cancer immunotherapy research. The IGNITE Award — Inspiring Growth and Nurturing Independence Through Excellence — is a new initiative that provides funding for early-career scientists whose research focuses on cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Blaisdell is one of nine IGNITE fellows selected for this inaugural award.
Blaisdell’s research “Enhancing Perforin-Dependent Anti-Tumor Immunity by Exhausted CD8 T Cells” focuses on developing strategies to preserve and restore the tumor-killing capacity of exhausted CD8+ T cells, a type of white blood cell that is critical to helping the immune system kill cancerous cells. Since CD8+ T cell exhaustion is a major barrier to successful cancer immunotherapy, his research seeks to identify novel regulatory pathways in these tumor‑infiltrating cells and exploit them to unleash the full potential of the perforin — a protein that immune cells use to trigger their destruction of cancer cells.
By leveraging these discoveries, Blaisdell plans to advance the design of adoptive cellular therapies (including CAR‑T cells) to equip them with greater potency, broader tumor coverage, and improved tolerability.
Cancer discoveries that redefine what’s possible
“The CRI IGNITE career development award empowers me to advance an innovative immunotherapy strategy that strengthens durable anti‑tumor responses — benefiting my career by creating a clear translational path and benefiting patients by delivering better, longer‑lasting care,” said Blaisdell.
Blaisdell is a physician-scientist and UCSF assistant professor of Medicine, whose clinical practice is focused on caring for patients experiencing immune-related side effects from cancer immunotherapies. He is currently a postdoctoral fellow at UCSF, with funding from a CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship. He received his MD and PhD from New York University.
The IGNITE Award provides up to five years of support, including two years of mentored postdoctoral funding, followed by three years of independent faculty support. Blaisdell’s research will be mentored by Averil Ma, MD, the Rainin Distinguished Professor in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and UCSF professor of Medicine.
“CRI has always invested in people whose discoveries redefine what is possible in cancer treatment,” said Alicia Zhou, PhD, CEO of CRI. “Through IGNITE, we’re ensuring the next generation of scientists can stay in the field and lead the future of immunotherapy.”