Francisco Javier González Vaz, PhD

Francisco Javier González Vaz, PhD, is a cancer immunologist dedicated to improving T cell-based therapies for solid tumors. His research focuses on optimizing T cell activation and function to help them resist the suppressive tumor microenvironment, reducing treatment resistance and relapse.

Dr. González Vaz earned his PhD at the University of Navarra under the mentorship of Ignacio Melero, MD, PhD, where he investigated the signaling and antitumor effects of CD137 (4-1BB) in T cells. His work provided key insights into intracellular pathways that regulate immune activation, shaping strategies to enhance immunotherapies that harness the body’s own defenses against cancer. His research has contributed to a deeper understanding of how to fine-tune T cell responses for a more effective and durable immune attack on tumors.

Now a postdoctoral researcher at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, Dr. González Vaz is building on this foundation by engineering T cells with enhanced adaptability and resistance to immunosuppressive signals. His work has the potential to improve the efficacy of existing immunotherapies and develop novel approaches that increase patient responsiveness to treatment.

As a PICI RISE Scholar, Dr. González Vaz is part of a collaborative network of scientists advancing the frontiers of cancer immunotherapy. He values the opportunity to engage with leaders in the field, refine his research approaches, and contribute to the development of innovative treatments that bring curative solutions closer to patients.