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

21. Vilekar P, Rao G, Awasthi S, Awasthi V. Diphenyldifluoroketone EF24 suppresses pro-inflammatory interleukin-1 receptor 1 and toll-like receptor 4 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated dendritic cells. J Inflamm. 2015; 12 : 55

22. Awasthi S, Anbanandam A, Rodgers K K. Structure of a TLR4-interacting SPA4 peptide. RSC Adv. 2015; 5 : 27431-27438

23. Singh B, Ramani V, Awasthi S. TLR4-interacting SPA4 peptide improves host defense in a mouse model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2014; 189

24. Vilekar P, King C, Lagisetty P, Awasthi V, Awasthi S. Antibacterial activity of synthetic curcumin derivatives: 3,5-bis(benzylidene)-4-piperidone (EF24) and EF24-dimer linked via diethylenetriaminepentacetic acid (EF2DTPA). Appl Biochem Biotech. 2014; 172 : 3363-73

25. Awasthi S. Peptide compositions that bind TLR-4. USPTO. 2014

Grants

1. Surfactant protein-A regions as TLR4-immunomodulators. NIH. Start Date: 2017. End Date: 2023.

2. Molecular mechanism of action of TLR4-interacting SPA4 peptide in lung epithelial cell systems. Non-federal. Start Date: 2021. End Date: 2022.

3. Immunomodulation by a TLR4-interacting Surfactant protein-A peptide. Non-federal. Start Date: 2013. End Date: 2021.

4. Control of lung inflammation by a TLR4-interacting SP-A-derived peptide. NIH. Start Date: 2013. End Date: 2017.

5. Structure-function relation of a TLR4-interacting Surfactant protein-A-derived peptide. NIH. Start Date: 2013. End Date: 2014.

Awards and Honors

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


2. 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: Master of Science. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Date: 1990.


4. Degree: Bachelor of Science. MKP College, University of Garhwal. Date: 1988.

Administrative Assignments

no results

External Connections and Partnerships

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


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