Foster lab specializes in the development of novel immunotherapies designed to treat pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors.  Our primary focus is chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, where we have used mRNA to create effective CAR T cells. We are actively investigating:  1) optimal CAR T-cell delivery sites and trafficking in the brain, 2) efficacy and toxicity of mRNA transfected CAR T-cells vs. virally transduced CAR T-cells, and 3) identification and testing of new CAR targets. We have a heavy translational focus, and our work is aimed at bringing novel therapeutics to clinical trials.