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

36. Awasthi S, Brown K, King C, Awasthi V, Bondugula R. A toll-like receptor-4-interacting surfactant protein-A-derived peptide suppresses tumor necrosis factor-α release from mouse JAWS II dendritic cells. The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. 2011; 336 : 672-81

37. 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

38. 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

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

40. 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

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


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


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


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