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

41. Awasthi S, Madhusoodhanan R, Wolf R. Surfactant protein-A and toll-like receptor-4 modulate immune functions of preterm baboon lung dendritic cell precursor cells. Cellular immunology. 2011; 268 : 87-96

42. Awasthi S, Baghdayan A, Coburn P, Shankar N. Differential response of dendritic cells to Enterococcus faecalis harboring a pathogenicity island encoded transcriptional regulator. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY. 2010; 184

43. Vilekar P, Awasthi V, Lagisetty P, Natarajan A, Awasthi S. Diphenyl difluoroketone (EF-24) modulates dendritic cell responses. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY. 2010; 184

44. Awasthi S, Vilekar P, Lagisetty P, Awasthi V. Immunostimulatory characteristics and in vivo trafficking of a primary dendritic cell-based vaccine for coccidioidomycosis. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY. 2010; 184

45. Awasthi V, Vilekar P, Lagisetty P, Awasthi S. Trafficking of a primary dendritic cell-based vaccine by PET imaging in a mouse model. JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE. 2010; 51

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.