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

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    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.

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Awards and Honors

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                                                                                            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.  

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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


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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.