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

11. Awasthi S, Rahman N, Rui B, Kumar G, Awasthi V, Breshears M, Kosanke S. Lung and general health effects of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)-interacting SPA4 peptide. BMC pulmonary medicine. 2020; 20 : 179

12. Awasthi S, Rahman N, Hedrick A, Awasthi V, Breshears M, Kosanke S. Analysis of health and lung injury markers in mice treated with TLR4-interacting SPA4 peptide. Journal of Immunology (Annual Meeting Abstracts). 2019; 202 : 64.26

13. Awasthi S, Vilekar P, Conkleton A, Rahman N. Dendritic cell-based immunization induces Coccidioides Ag2/PRA-specific immune response. Vaccine. 2019; 37 : 1685-1691

14. Awasthi S, Singh B, Ramani V, Xie J, Kosanke S. TLR4-interacting SPA4 peptide improves host defense and alleviates tissue injury in a mouse model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection. PloS one. 2019; 14 : e0210979

15. Awasthi S, Kumar G, Xie J, Beierle J, Awasthi V, Ramani V, Singh B, Breshears M, Kosanke S. Toll-like receptor-4-interacting surfactant protein-A-derived peptide reduces inflammation in a mouse model of intratracheal lipopolysaccharide challenge. Journal of Immunology (Annual Meeting Abstracts). 2018; 200 : 174.10

Grants

6. Modulation of host defense by SP-A-TLR4 interaction. American Heart Association. Start Date: 2011. End Date: 2013.

7. Host immune response to Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. NIH. Start Date: 2010. End Date: 2012.

8. Interaction between baboon lung surfactant Protein-A and Toll-like Receptor 4. Non-federal. Start Date: 2008. End Date: 2010.

9. Evaluation of a vaccine for Coccidioides in a mouse model. Non-federal. Start Date: 2007. End Date: 2010.

10. Evaluation of freeze-dried platelets in a rabbit model . Non-federal. Start Date: 2007. End Date: 2010.

Awards and Honors

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.

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.