Dr. Nicholas Restifo is a pioneering scientist whose work has fundamentally advanced the field of cancer immunotherapy over the past three decades. He previously served as a senior investigator at the National Cancer Institute where he established a world-renowned research program focused on developing novel T cell-based cancer treatments. His leadership at the Surgery Branch of the Center for Cancer Research positioned him at the forefront of translational immunology research with direct clinical applications. After building an exceptional career within the National Institutes of Health, he recently transitioned to industry to accelerate the development of next-generation immunotherapies for cancer patients.
Dr. Restifo's groundbreaking research on CD4 T cell immunotherapies has reshaped the understanding of how the immune system can be harnessed to combat malignancies. His laboratory pioneered approaches to enhance T cell persistence and function within the tumor microenvironment, establishing fundamental principles that now guide immunotherapy development across the field. His recent work utilizing genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screens has identified novel therapeutic targets including BIRC2, ITGAV, and DNPEP that can be combined with adoptive cell therapy to overcome resistance mechanisms. With over 127,000 citations, his extensive publication record demonstrates sustained impact across basic immunology, translational research, and clinical application.
Beyond his laboratory discoveries, Dr. Restifo has been instrumental in training generations of immunologists and shaping national research priorities in cancer immunotherapy. He co-founded Medici Therapeutics where he serves as Chief Medical Officer, bridging the gap between fundamental immunological research and clinical application. His current work focuses on developing precision immunotherapies that overcome resistance mechanisms while minimizing toxicity to normal tissues. Through his leadership in both academic and industry settings, Dr. Restifo continues to drive innovation in the field, with the goal of expanding the benefits of immunotherapy to a broader range of cancer patients worldwide.
