Education
PhD, University of Pennsylvania, Parasitology - 1983
MS, Tulane University, Parasitology - 1977
Fellowships
University of Wisconsin - 1987
University of Pennsylvania - 1984
David Abraham, PhD
Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Vice-Chair, Education & Faculty Affairs, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs – Undergraduate Medical Education, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Contact Information
233 South Tenth Street
Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Room 530
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-503-8917
215-923-9248 fax
Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Vice-Chair, Education & Faculty Affairs, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs – Undergraduate Medical Education, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Education
Most Recent Peer-Reviewed Publications
- Development of Dirofilaria immitis adult worms in NSG mice, detection of parasite-derived microRNA and comparative analysis of laboratory isolates
- Vaccination against Onchocerca volvulus induces IgG-mediated protective immunity dependent on neutrophils and complement
- A rodent model for Dirofilaria immitis, canine heartworm: parasite growth, development, and drug sensitivity in NSG mice
- Adjuvanted Fusion Protein Vaccine Induces Durable Immunity to Onchocerca volvulus in Mice and Non-Human Primates
- Is Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection induced by glucocorticoids a result of both suppressed host immunity and altered parasite genetics?
Expertise & Research Interests
Role of eosinophils, neutrophils, and macrophages in innate and adaptive immunity to nematode infections. The goal of these studies is to define, at a molecular level, the mechanisms used by these cells, from both humans and mice, to kill nematode parasites, and to identify the immune evasion mechanisms used by the parasites.
Development of mouse models for canine heartworm infections caused by Dirofilaria immitis to facilitate the development of new diagnostics and chemotherapeutic agents.
Vaccine development against parasitic helminths. Multivalent vaccines are being developed against Onchocerca volvulus, the causative agent of river blindness, and against Strongyloides stercoralis. The vaccines will be formulated by combining recombinant antigens with adjuvants capable of inducing specific types of immune responses.
Patents
5,714,170; 6,312,684; 6,506,415; 6,541,036