معرفی
Dr. Santosh Dhakal serves as an Assistant Professor in Infectious Diseases at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine within the Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology. His research focuses on viral pathogens of animal and human health importance, particularly examining how host factors influence viral pathogenesis and vaccine responses.
Dr. Dhakal earned his BVSc & AH from Tribhuvan University in Nepal, followed by an MS and PhD from The Ohio State University in Ohio, USA. His educational background has prepared him for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of veterinary medicine, virology, and immunology.
Dr. Dhakal's research program investigates viral pathogens including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, with particular emphasis on how host-associated factors such as age, biological sex, preexisting immunity, and different comorbidities affect viral pathogenesis and immune responses to vaccines. He is particularly interested in sex differences in immune responses, having published multiple studies demonstrating greater breadth of vaccine-induced immunity in females compared to males. His work also explores the development of safe, effective and optimized mucosal vaccines against animal and human viral pathogens.
Analysis of Dr. Dhakal's recent publications reveals a strong focus on sex differences in immune responses to viral infections and vaccination, particularly regarding influenza and SARS-CoV-2. His work spans basic immunology, translational vaccine development, and epidemiological studies, with a notable emphasis on mucosal immunity and host-pathogen interactions. Many studies employ animal models including mice, hamsters, and pigs to investigate viral pathogenesis and vaccine efficacy, with significant findings regarding how host factors influence disease outcomes.
Dr. Dhakal leads a research laboratory focused on viral pathogenesis and vaccine development. His team utilizes various animal models to investigate host-pathogen interactions and develop novel vaccine strategies. Current research projects include studying sex differences in immune responses, developing mucosal vaccines, and investigating viral pathogenesis in animal models. His work has important implications for improving vaccine design and implementation for both human and animal health.
