Research Interests
Elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which physiological factors may enhance or suppress immune function. Research projects focus on biological mechanisms mediating the immunoenhancing effects of acute stress versus the immunosuppressive effects of chronic stress. Using relevant mouse, rat, and human models, the effects of stress and stress hormones on leukocyte trafficking, innate and adaptive immune reactions, and cytokine and chemokine gene and protein expression will be studied.

Publications
Dhabhar, F.S., Miller, A.H., McEwen, B.S., & Spencer, R.L. (1995)
Effects of stress on immune cell distribution—Dynamics and hormonal mechanism. J. Immunology, 154, 5511-5527.

Dhabhar, F.S., Miller, A.H., McEwen, B.S., & Spencer, R.L. (1995)
Differential activation of adrenal steroid receptors in neural and immune tissues of Sprague-Dawley, Fischer 344, and Lewis rats. J. Neuroimmunology, 56, 77-90.

Dhabhar, F.S., & McEwen, B.S. (1996) Stress-induced enhancement of antigen-specific cell-mediated immunity, J. Immunology, 156, 2608-2615.

Dhabhar, F.S., Miller, A.H., McEwen, B.S., & Spencer, R.L. (1996)
Stress-induced changes in leukocyte distribution—Role of adrenal steroid hormones. J. Immunology, 157, 1638-1644.

Dhabhar, F.S. & McEwen, B.S. (1997) Acute stress enhances while
chronic stress suppresses immune function in vivo: A role for leukocyte trafficking. Brain Behavior & Immunity, 11, 286-306.

Dhabhar, F.S., McEwen B.S., Spencer R.L. (1997) Adaptation to stress—Differences between genetically related rat strains. Neuroendocrinology, 65, 360-368.

Dhabhar, F.S. & McEwen, B.S. (1999) Enhancing versus suppressive effects of stress hormones on skin immune function. P.N.A.S. USA, 96, 1059-1064.

Dhabhar F.S., Satoskar A.R., Bluethmann H., David J.R., & McEwen B.S. (2000) Stress-Induced Enhancement of Skin Immune Function: A Role For Gamma Interferon. P.N.A.S. USA, (in press).

Spencer, R.L, Kalman, B.A., & Dhabhar, F.S. (2000) Role of endogenous glucocorticoids in immune system function: Regulation and counterregulation. In B.S. McEwen (Ed.) Handbook of Physiology Vol.: Coping with the Environment., Oxford University Press. (In press).

Dhabhar, F.S. & McEwen, B.S. (2000) Bidirectional effects of stress and glucocorticoid hormones on immune function: Possible explanations for paradoxical observations. In R. Ader, N. Cohen, & D. Felten (Eds.) Psychoneuroimmunology, Academic Press (In press).

back to top