Shanjana Awasthi, Ph.D.

Professor

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Phone (405) 271-6593 x47332

Fax (405) 271-7505

Office CPB 324

Email shanjana-awasthi@ouhsc.edu


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

Categorical certificate in Clinical Microbiology

UTHSCSA, TX

2006


Publications & Presentations

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    11. Awasthi S, Rahman N, Rui B, Kumar G, Awasthi V, Breshears M, Kosanke S. Lung and general health effects of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)-interacting SPA4 peptide. BMC pulmonary medicine. 2020; 20 : 179

    12. Awasthi S, Rahman N, Hedrick A, Awasthi V, Breshears M, Kosanke S. Analysis of health and lung injury markers in mice treated with TLR4-interacting SPA4 peptide. Journal of Immunology (Annual Meeting Abstracts). 2019; 202 : 64.26

    13. Awasthi S, Vilekar P, Conkleton A, Rahman N. Dendritic cell-based immunization induces Coccidioides Ag2/PRA-specific immune response. Vaccine. 2019; 37 : 1685-1691

    14. Awasthi S, Singh B, Ramani V, Xie J, Kosanke S. TLR4-interacting SPA4 peptide improves host defense and alleviates tissue injury in a mouse model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection. PloS one. 2019; 14 : e0210979

    15. Awasthi S, Kumar G, Xie J, Beierle J, Awasthi V, Ramani V, Singh B, Breshears M, Kosanke S. Toll-like receptor-4-interacting surfactant protein-A-derived peptide reduces inflammation in a mouse model of intratracheal lipopolysaccharide challenge. Journal of Immunology (Annual Meeting Abstracts). 2018; 200 : 174.10

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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


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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.