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

6. Modulation of host defense by SP-A-TLR4 interaction. American Heart Association. Start Date: 2011. End Date: 2013.

7. Host immune response to Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. NIH. Start Date: 2010. End Date: 2012.

8. Interaction between baboon lung surfactant Protein-A and Toll-like Receptor 4. Non-federal. Start Date: 2008. End Date: 2010.

9. Evaluation of a vaccine for Coccidioides in a mouse model. Non-federal. Start Date: 2007. End Date: 2010.

10. Evaluation of freeze-dried platelets in a rabbit model . Non-federal. Start Date: 2007. End Date: 2010.

Awards and Honors

1. OUHSC. Inductee, Oklahoma Center for Mentoring Excellence, Educators for Excellence. Date: 2024.


2. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Presbyterian Health Foundation Presidential Professorship. Date: 2024.


3. NIH, DOD. Received appreciation for serving on review panels. Date: 2024.


4. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Presbyterian Health Foundation Presidential Professorship. Date: 2023.


5. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Member of Educators for Excellence. 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.