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

1. Awasthi S, Xie J. Treatment with the TLR4-interacting SPA4 peptide controls accumulation of damage-associated molecular patterns in lung tissues of mice infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2654. The Journal of Immunology. 2025; 214

2. Chowdhury A A, Rodgers K, Godbole N M, Awasthi S. Stability and structure–activity relationship of the SPA4 peptide under ambient and stressed conditions of lung injury. RSC Advances. 2023; 13 : 18864-18877

3. Chowdhury A, Godbole N, Awasthi S. SPA4 peptide treatment reduces the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated CXCL1/KC and lactate in primary mouse lung alveolar epithelial cells. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2023; 207: Meeting abstracts : A1724

4. Awasthi S, Singh B, Ramani V, Godbole N M, King C. Involvement of endoplasmic reticulum and histone proteins in immunomodulation by TLR4-interacting SPA4 peptide against Escherichia coli. Infection and Immunity. 2023; 91

5. Godbole N M, Awasthi S. SPA4 peptide suppresses the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated lactate secretion in lung epithelial cells through modulation of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4). The Journal of Immunology. 2023; 210 : 160.17-160.17

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

21. Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences. Research fellowship . Date: 1991.


22. National Scholarship Program, India. National Scholarship. Date: 1991.


23. MKP College/HNM Garhwal University. Gold Medal and certificates for academic achievements. Date: 1991.


24. High-School. Received certificate and award for academic achievement. Date: 1991.


25. Uttar Pradesh State. Received scholarship for academic achievements. Date: 1991.

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.