Dhabhar, Firdaus

Firdaus S. Dhabhar, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Oral Biology

Joint Appointment
Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics

Research Interests:

The overall aim or our laboratory is to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which some physiological factors may enhance immune function while other factors may be immunosuppressive

Research Summary:

Research projects focus on understanding the mechanisms mediating the recently-appreciated immunoenhancing effects of acute stress versus the immunosuppressive effects of chronic stress. Using relevant mouse, rat, and human models, we are currently studying the effects of stress and stress hormones on leukocyte trafficking, innate and adaptive immune responses, and cytokine and chemokine gene and protein expression.

Selected Publications:

Dhabhar F.S., Satoskar A.R., Bluethmann H., David J.R., and McEwen B.S. (2000) Stress-Induced Enhancement of Skin Immune Function: A Role For Gamma Interferon. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 97, 2846-2851.

Dhabhar, F.S. & McEwen, B.S. (1999) Enhancing versus suppressive effects of stress hormones on skin immune function. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 96, 1059-1064.

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., 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. (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. (1995) Effects of stress on immune cell distribution -- Dynamics and hormonal mechanism. J. Immunology, 154, 5511-5527.