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

56. Awasthi S, Wolf R, White G, Awasthi V. Surfactant protein-A interacts with TLR4 and affects the phagocytic function of dendritic cells (135.41). The Journal of Immunology. 2009; 182 : 135.41-135.41

57. Awasthi S, Brown K, Wolf R, White G. Interaction between Surfactant Protein‐A and Toll‐like Receptor‐4 in Lung. The FASEB Journal. 2008; 22

58. Awasthi S, Cropper J, Brown K M. Developmental expression of Toll-like receptors-2 and -4 in preterm baboon lung. Developmental & Comparative Immunology. 2008; 32 : 1088-1098

59. Metkar S, Awasthi S, Denamur E, Kim K S, Gangloff S C, Teichberg S, Haziot A, Silver J, Goyert S M. Role of CD14 in Responses to Clinical Isolates ofEscherichia coli: Effects of K1 Capsule Expression. Infection and Immunity. 2007; 75 : 5415-5424

60. Awasthi S. Dendritic cell-based vaccine against Coccidioides infection. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2007; 1111 : 269-74

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

6. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Presbyterian Health Foundation Presidential Professorship. Date: 2024.


7. NIH, DOD. Received appreciation for serving on review panels. Date: 2024.


8. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Presbyterian Health Foundation Presidential Professorship. Date: 2023.


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


10. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Presbyterian Health Foundation Presidential Professorship. 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: MS. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Date: 1990.


4. Degree: BS. MKP College, HNM Garhwal University. Date: 1988.

Administrative Assignments

no results

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.