Shanjana Awasthi, Ph.D.

---

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

---

Publications & Presentations

51. Awasthi S, Wolf R, White G. Immunophenotype and phagocytic function of preterm fetal baboon lung dendritic cells. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2009; 179

52. Awasthi S, Wolf R, White G, Awasthi V. Surfactant protein-A interacts with TLR4 and affects the phagocytic function of dendritic cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY. 2009; 182

53. Awasthi S, Wolf R, White G. Ontogeny and phagocytic function of baboon lung dendritic cells. Immunology and cell biology. 2009; 87 : 419-27

54. Awasthi S, Cropper J, Brown K M. Developmental expression of Toll-like receptors-2 and -4 in preterm baboon lung. Developmental and comparative immunology. 2008; 32 : 1088-98

55. Awasthi S, Cropper J. Expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in Preterm Baboon Lung. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY. 2007; 178

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

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.