Shanjana Awasthi, Ph.D.

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Summary

Research in my lab is focused on developing immunotherapeutics and vaccines by harnessing our body's natural host defense mechanisms. Our research efforts have been focused on developing TLR4-interacting surfactant protein-A-derived peptides and dendritic cell-based vaccine approaches. We are interested in investigating the mechanisms of action and efficacy of these approaches using structural, computational, physicochemical, and immunological tools and methods, and in vitro and in animal models of infection, inflammation and cancer.

Certifications & Licenses

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Publications & Presentations

46. Vilekar P, Awasthi V, Lagisetty P, King C, Shankar N, Awasthi S. In vivo trafficking and immunostimulatory potential of an intranasally-administered primary dendritic cell-based vaccine. BMC immunology. 2010; 11 : 60

47. Awasthi S. Surfactant protein (SP)-A and SP-D as antimicrobial and immunotherapeutic agents. Recent patents on anti-infective drug discovery. 2010; 5 : 115-23

48. Awasthi S. Susceptibility of TLR4-defective C3H/HeJ mice to Coccidioides posadasii infection. Medical mycology. 2010; 48 : 470-5

49. Agashe H, Lagisetty P, Awasthi S, Awasthi V. Improved formulation of liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin with an anionic non-phospholipid. Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces. 2010; 75 : 573-83

50. Awasthi S, Vilekar P. Antigen presentation and T cell activation by Coccidioides-Ag2/PRA-cDNA-transfected primary murine dendritic cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY. 2009; 182

Grants

11. une functions of dendritic cells, TLR and collectins in preterm baboon lung. Non-federal. Start Date: 2007. End Date: 2008.

12. Role of dendritic cells & pathogen-pattern recognition receptors in preterm baboon lung. Non-federal. Start Date: 2004. End Date: 2007.

13. Development of dendritic cell-based vaccine against Coccidioides immitis.. Non-federal. Start Date: 2003. End Date: 2004.

14. Health effects of environmental exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum in mice. Non-federal. Start Date: 2002. End Date: 2003.

Awards and Honors

11. Office of Technology Development, OUHSC. Patent Award. Date: 2014.


12. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Certificate of Appreciation. Date: 2013.


13. Tech Connect Ventures in partnership with Blue Origin and Sierra Space. Finalist of Reef Starter Innovation Challenge. Date: 2022.

Education

1. Degree: Post-Baccalaureate Categorical certificate in Clinical Microbiology. University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio. Date: 2006.


2. Degree: Ph D. Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences. Date: 1995.


3. Degree: MS. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Date: 1990.


4. Degree: BS. MKP College, HNM Garhwal University. Date: 1988.

Administrative Assignments

no results

External Connections and Partnerships

1. Type: Funding. Org: Oklahoma State University (year 2013- year 2017). City: Stillwater. State: Oklahoma. NIH-supported COBRE program in Respiratory and Infectious Diseases. Date: 2013.


2. Type: Funding. Org: University of Oklahoma (year 2013- year 2014). City: Norman. State: Oklahoma. NIH-supported COBRE program in Structural Biology. Date: 2013.