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

36. Vilekar P, Awasthi S, Natarajan A, Anant S, Awasthi V. EF24 suppresses maturation and inflammatory response in dendritic cells. International immunology. 2012; 24 : 455-64

37. Chandrakesan P, Ahmed I, Chinthalapally A, Singh P, Awasthi S, Anant S, Umar S. Distinct compartmentalization of NF-κB activity in crypt and crypt-denuded lamina propria precedes and accompanies hyperplasia and/or colitis following bacterial infection. Infection and immunity. 2012; 80 : 753-67

38. Awasthi S, Singh B, Welliver R C, Dietert R R. Lung dendritic cell developmental programming, environmental stimuli, and asthma in early periods of life. Journal of allergy. 2012; 2012 : 176468

39. Moriasi C M, Trevino C, Subramaniam D, Ramalingam S, Awasthi V, Awasthi S, Anant S. Curcumin regulates Interleukin-6 expression in colon cancer cells. CANCER RESEARCH. 2011; 71

40. Awasthi S, Brown K, King C, Awasthi V, Bondugula R. A toll-like receptor-4-interacting surfactant protein-A-derived peptide suppresses tumor necrosis factor-α release from mouse JAWS II dendritic cells. The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. 2011; 336 : 672-81

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.