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

26. Langer M, Booth J L, Patel V I, Duggan E S, Braun A, Ramani V, Awasthi S, Silasi-Mansat R, Lupu F, Coggeshall K M, Metcalf J P. Human alveolar epithelial barrier function is impaired by Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin. Am J Respiratory Crit Care Med. 2012; 185

27. Garcia-Contreras L, Awasthi S, Hanif S N, Hickey A J. Inhaled vaccines for the prevention of tuberculosis. Mycobact Dis. 2012; S : http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-1068.S1-002

28. Moriasi C, Subramaniam D, Awasthi S, Ramalingam S, Anant S. Prevention of Colitis-associated Cancer: Natural Compounds that Target the IL-6 Soluble Receptor. ANTI-CANCER AGENTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY. 2012; 12 : 1221-1238

29. Madhusoodhanan R, Moriasi C, Ramani V, Anant S, Awasthi S. A TLR4-interacting peptide inhibits lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory responses, migration and invasion of colon cancer SW480 cells. Oncoimmunology. 2012; 1 : 1495-1506

30. Langer M, Duggan E S, Booth J L, Patel V I, Zander R A, Silasi-Mansat R, Ramani V, Veres T Z, Prenzler F, Sewald K, Williams D M, Coggeshall K M, Awasthi S, Lupu F, Burian D, Ballard J D, Braun A, Metcalf J P. Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin reduces human alveolar epithelial barrier function. Infection and immunity. 2012; 80 : 4374-87

Grants

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

Awards and Honors

1. Tech Connect Ventures in partnership with Blue Origin and Sierra Space. Finalist of Reef Starter Innovation Challenge. Date: 2022.


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

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), formerly University of Roorkee. Date: 1990.


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

Administrative Assignments

no results

External Connections and Partnerships

1. Speaker Oklahoma City VA Health Care System Oklahoma City Research Rally Date: 2018.


2. Speaker University of Southampton Delivered a talk "Immunomodulation by a TLR4-interacting surfactant protein-A peptide". Date: 2018.


3. Speaker Rutgers University Presented a talk "Host targeted therapies to combat infection and inflammation" Date: 2018.


4. Speaker Oklahoma State University Stillwater Oklahoma Delivered talks on annual basis from year 2013-2018 at the annual retreat of the Oklahoma Center of Respiratory and Infectious Diseases. Date: 2013.


5. Funding Oklahoma State University (2013-2017) Stillwater Oklahoma Dr. Lin Liu NIH-supported COBRE program in Respiratory and Infectious Diseases Date: 2013.