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

    46. Vilekar P, Awasthi V, Lagisetty P, King C, Shankar N, Awasthi S. In vivo trafficking and immunostimulatory potential of an intranasally-administered primary dendritic cell-based vaccine. BMC immunology. 2010; 11 : 60

    47. Awasthi S. Surfactant protein (SP)-A and SP-D as antimicrobial and immunotherapeutic agents. Recent patents on anti-infective drug discovery. 2010; 5 : 115-23

    48. Awasthi S. Susceptibility of TLR4-defective C3H/HeJ mice to Coccidioides posadasii infection. Medical mycology. 2010; 48 : 470-5

    49. Agashe H, Lagisetty P, Awasthi S, Awasthi V. Improved formulation of liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin with an anionic non-phospholipid. Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces. 2010; 75 : 573-83

    50. Awasthi S, Vilekar P. Antigen presentation and T cell activation by Coccidioides-Ag2/PRA-cDNA-transfected primary murine dendritic cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY. 2009; 182




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

Temporarily Unavailable