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

36. Madhusoodhanan R, Moriasi C, Ramani V, Anant S, Awasthi S. A TLR4-interacting peptide inhibits lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory responses, migration and invasion of colon cancer SW480 cells. Oncoimmunology. 2012; 1 : 1495-1506

37. Awasthi S, Singh B, Welliver R C, Dietert R R. Lung Dendritic Cell Developmental Programming, Environmental Stimuli, and Asthma in Early Periods of Life. Journal of Allergy. 2012; 2012 : 1-10

38. Moriasi C, Subramaniam D, Awasthi S, Ramalingam S, Anant S. Prevention of Colitis-associated Cancer: Natural Compounds that Target the IL-6 Soluble Receptor. Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry. 2012; 12 : 1221-1238

39. Daw K, Baghdayan A S, Awasthi S, Shankar N. Biofilm and planktonicEnterococcus faecaliselicit different responses from host phagocytesin vitro. FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology. 2012; 65 : 270-282

40. Vilekar P, Awasthi S, Natarajan A, Anant S, Awasthi V. EF24 suppresses maturation and inflammatory response in dendritic cells. International Immunology. 2012; 24 : 455-464

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

11. NIH. Received appreciation for serving on review panels. Date: 2022.


12. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Presbyterian Health Foundation Presidential Professorship. Date: 2021.


13. VA, DOD, NIH. Received appreciation for serving on review panels. Date: 2021.


14. NIH , VA and Department of Defense. Received appreciation for serving on grant review panels. Date: 2020.


15. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Certificate of Appreciation. Date: 2013.

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.