Dr. Priyaa P Raskar (Sarate)

Research Experience

Postdoctoral Fellow at Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine (ISPTM), Medical University of Vienna, Austria

Led a project focused on early-life immune tolerance for the prevention of allergic multi-sensitivities. Utilized germ-free mouse models to investigate the mechanisms by which early probiotic exposure modulates immune responses and reduces the risk of allergic diseases.

PhD Researcher at ISPTM, Medical University of Vienna, Austria

Conducted doctoral research on the development of recombinant E. coli Nissle expressing chimeric allergens (birch and grass pollen) for mucosal delivery. Studied their impact on poly-sensitization prevention in neonatal and adult models. Additionally explored the prophylactic and therapeutic use of E. coli O83 for allergic airway inflammation, contributing to advancements in probiotic-based vaccine strategies.

Research Assistant at ISPTM, Medical University of Vienna, Austria

Contributed to a project investigating the immunomodulatory effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Demonstrated how infection or parasite-derived extracts suppress allergic responses in mice, providing insights into parasite-based immune therapies.

Research Assistant at Lubec’s Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Austria

Participated in the biochemical characterization of conotoxin-like neuropeptides derived from marine organisms other than cone snails, aiming to identify alternative sources of neuroactive compounds for pharmacological use.

Project Assistant at CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR–NCL), Pune, India

Worked under the guidance of Dr. Ashok Giri on DBT-funded projects involving insect–plant molecular interactions. Projects included the characterization of digestive enzymes in Helicoverpa armigera, evaluation of Ocimum plant volatiles for pest control, development of transgenic chickpea lines expressing proteinase inhibitors, and gene expression studies under varying light conditions.

Industry Experience

Clinical Research Associate at Hi-Tech Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd., Pune
Designed and developed experimental assays tailored to specific product requirements. Conducted data mining and literature reviews to support new projects and analyzed outcomes of related clinical trials to guide evidence-based decision-making.

Senior Research Scientist at OncoDiscover® – Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd., Pune
Worked on developing molecular and cellular technologies for the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood samples from cancer patients. Aimed to enable early metastasis detection and contribute to therapeutic CTC removal strategies. Supervised lab operations, trained laboratory personnel, and managed overall project execution.

Clinical Research Consultant at Proxi Farma Pvt. Ltd., Pune
Played a key role in the design and execution of clinical trials assessing the benefits of high fiber-rich smoothies for gut health and microbiome modulation. Responsibilities included site coordination, patient recruitment, protocol and informed consent development, ex vivo study design and execution, data analysis, and scientific report writing. Oversaw lab setup and contributed to grant refinement, ensuring compliance with GCP, ICH, and regulatory standards.

Publications

• Priya Sarate, Dagmar Srutkova, Hana Kozakova, Irma Schabussova and Ursula Wiedermann. (2021). Pre-and Neonatal imprinting on immunological homeostasis and epithelial barrier integrity by Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 prevents allergic poly-sensitization in mice. Frontiers in Immunology. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.612775
• Priya Sarate, Stefan Heinl, Sabine Poiret, Mirjana Drinic, Christian Zwicker, Irma Schabussova, Catherine Daniel and Ursula Wiedermann. (2019). E. coli Nissle 1917 is a safe mucosal delivery vector for a birch-grass pollen chimera to prevent allergic poly-sensitization. Mucosal immunology. volume 12, pages132–144
• Christian Zwicker, Priya Sarate, Mirjana Drinic, Katharina Ambroz, Elke Korb, Ursula Smole, Cordula Köhler, Mark S. Wilson, Hana Kozakova, Peter Sebo, Miloslav Kverka, Ursula Wiedermann and Irma Schabussova (2018). Prophylactic and therapeutic inhibition of allergic airway inflammation by probiotic E. coli O83. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Volume 142, Issue 6, Pages 1987-1990
• Mirjana Drinić, Angelika Wagner, Priya Sarate, Christian Zwicker, Elke Korb, Gerhard Loupal, Roman Peschke, Anja Joachim, Ursula Wiedermann and Irma Schabussova. Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite-extract acts as a potent immunomodulator against allergic sensitization and airway inflammation. Scientific Reports 7, 15211 (2017).
• Priyanka Singh*, H. J. Ramesha*, Priya Sarate* (Shared first authorship), Hirekodathakallu V. Thulasiram, Mahesh J. Kulkarni, Ashok P. Giri. (2014) Insecticidal potential of defense metabolites from Ocimum kilimandscharicum against Helicoverpa armigera. PLoS ONE 9(8): e104377. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104377
• Priya J. Sarate, Vaijayanti A. Tamhane, Hemlata M. Kotkar, Neena Ratnakaran, Nishi Susan, Vidya S. Gupta, Ashok P. Giri (2012). Developmental and digestive flexibilities in the midgut of a polyphagous pest, the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. Journal of Insect Science12:42
• Hemlata M. Kotkar, Priya J. Sarate, Vaijayanti A. Tamhane, Vidya S. Gupta, Ashok P. Giri, 2009. Responses of midgut amylases of Helicoverpa armigera to feeding on various host plants. Journal of insect physiology 55, 663-670.

Presentations and Conferences

Oral Presentations and Talks

• Oral Presentation at 10th YSA PhD-Symposium, June 11-12, 2014: Medical University of Vienna, Vienna General Hospital, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. Title: Toxoplasma gondii infection alters responses to vaccines in mice.
• Oral Presentation at Joint Symposium of 2 PhD Programs Allergy – Immunology – Inflammation 25th – 26th of September 2017. Jugendstilhorsaal, B88, Level 2, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. Title: Mucosal application of recombinant E. coli Nissle 1917 expressing allergen chimer suppresses allergic poly-sensitization.
• Invited Speaker at Institut Pasteur de Lille, Bâtiment IBL1 rue du Professeur Calmette- CS5044759021 Lille cedex France, March 2017. Title: Intranasal application of recombinant E. coli Nissle 1917 expressing allergen chimer suppresses allergic poly-sensitization without permanent colonization.
• Oral Presentation on different articles at ISPTM, Medical University of Vienna, Austria, institute journal club (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019). Three presentations per year.

National Conferences

• Poster presentation in the four days conference “World Congress on Biotechnology” at Hyderabad, India during March 21-23, 2011.
• Poster presentation in the conference “Annual Meet of Association of Microbiologist of India” National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India (December. 15-18, 2009).

International Conferences

• Poster presentation: 10th YSA PhD-Symposium, June 11-12, 2014: Medical University of Vienna, Vienna General Hospital, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. Title: Toxoplasma gondii infection alters responses to vaccines in mice.
• Poster presentation: at ÖGAI Annual Meeting 2014, November 6-8, 2014: Salzburg, Austria
• Poster presentation: at MCCA-ICI Joint PhD-Student Symposium, February 16-18, 2015, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
• Poster presentation: at 2nd Polish-Czech Probiotics Conference: Microbiology, Immunology & Allergy, May 24 – 26, 2015. Dębowy Hotel, Bielawa, Poland
• Poster presentation: at International Congress of Mucosal Immunology 14 – 18 July 2015 / Germany, Berlin.
• Poster presentation: at 4th European congress of immunology, 6-9 september 2015, Vienna, Austria.
• Poster presentation: at EAACI 2016, June 11-15, 2016, Vienna, Austria.
• Poster presentation: at International Congress of immunology, August 21-26, 2016, Melbourne, Australia.
• Poster presentation: Interim Evaluation, Doctoral Program W1248-B30 “Molecular, cellular and clinical allergology, MCCA”, September 21st, 2016, Vienna, Austria
• Poster presentation: at 4th SFB F46 work in progress meeting in October 15–17, 2016: Ottenstein, Austria
• Poster presentation: at 18th International congress of mucosal immunology (ICMI), on July 19-22, 2017 in Washington DC, USA.
• Poster presentation: at 5th SFB F46 work in progress meeting in November 5-7, 2017: Ottenstein, Austria
• Poster presentation: at ÖGAI Annual Meeting 2017, November.23-25, 2017, Vienna, Austria.
• Poster presentation: at Mucosal Immunology Course and symposium (MICS), on July 17-20, 2018 Oxford, UK.
• Poster Presentation: at 5th retreat of Centre, September 16, 2014, Retreat for centre of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Bernhard Gottlieb University Dental Clinic in Sensengasse 2a, Wien, Austria
• Poster Presentation: at 6th Retreat of Centre, September 22th, 2015, Retreat for centre of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Bernhard Gottlieb University Dental Clinic in Sensengasse 2a, Wien, Austria
• Poster Presentation: at 7th Retreat of Centre, September 20, 2016, Retreat for centre of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Bernhard Gottlieb University Dental Clinic in Sensengasse 2a, Wien, Austria
• Poster Presentation: at 8th Retreat of Centre, September 19, 2017, Retreat for centre of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Bernhard Gottlieb University Dental Clinic in Sensengasse 2a, Wien, Austria
• Poster Presentation: at 9th Retreat of Centre, September 17th, 2018, Retreat for centre of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Bernhard Gottlieb University Dental Clinic in Sensengasse 2a, Wien, Austria
• Poster Presentation: at Joint Symposium of 2 PhD Programs Allergy – Immunology – Inflammation 25th – 26th of September 2017, Jugendstilhorsaal, B88, Level 2, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

Workshops and symposiums

• Participated in the workshop on “Preparation, Presentation and Publication of Scientific research Papers and Research Project Proposals”, Yashwantrao Chavan College of Science, Karad, (2007).
• Participated in the Symposium on “FOOD SAFETY ISSUES with Specific Emphasis on GM Food Crops” National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India (November 14-16, 2010).
• Participation: Symposium Food, Microbiota and Immunity. June 7-10, 2017, Trest, Czech Republic.
• Organised Interim Evaluation (2016) Doctoral Program W1248-B30 “Molecular, cellular and clinical allergology, MCCA”, Vienna, Austria
• Organised MCCA-ICA Joint PhD-Student Symposium, February 16-18, 2015, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Certificates

• Certificate for OIF B1 German language, “Intrgrationsprufung Sprachniveau B1“, Wien, Austria
• Certificate for competence in working with laboratory animals (in compliance with Federation of European Laboratory Science, FELASA). Experimental Biomedical Studies in Animals, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
• Certificate for Industrial Quality Control Microbiology (IQCM) course conducted by Microbiology department of Yashwantrao Chavan College of Science, Karad regarding Quality Control Procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and HACCP Plans implemented in pharmaceutical and Food Industries.
• Certificate for Laboratory Management and Basic Analysis of Food, with outstanding Performance, held by Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
• Certificate for “Preparation, Presentation and Publication of Scientific research Papers and Research Project Proposals”, Yashwantrao Chavan College of Science, Karad.
• Qualified Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT), demonstrating proficiency in academic English communication.

Grants, fellowships, awards and honers

• National Postdoctoral Fellowship (NPDF) in India (2020) as a principal investigator at National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
• Co-written and secured OeaD Grant with Prof. Ursula Wiedermann: Scientific and technological co-operation with France (2016-2017) from the Centre for International Cooperation & Mobility (ICM) of the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD-GmbH)
• Co-written and secured OeaD Grant with Asst. Prof. Irma Schabussova: Scientific and technological co-operation with Czech Republic (2016-2017) from the Centre for International Cooperation & Mobility (ICM) of the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD-GmbH)
• Represented and secured FWF funding extension: Interim Evaluation (2016) Doctoral Program W1248-B30 “Molecular, cellular and clinical allergology, MCCA”
• Co-written and secured animal license with Asst. Prof. Irma Schabussova: (2015) Recombinant probiotic bacteria expressing multi-allergen chimers for the neonatal prevention of poly-sensitization from Bundesministerium für wissenschaft forschung und wirtschaft, referat fur tierversuchswesen und gentechnik, Vienna Austria.
• Österreichische Forschungsgemeinschaft travel grant for Mucosal Immunology cours and Symposium, 17-20 July, 2018, Oxford, UK.
• Österreichische Forschungsgemeinschaft travel grant for International congress of Immunology, 19-22 July, 2017, Washington DC, USA.
• Österreichische Forschungsgemeinschaft travel grant for International congress of Immunology, 21-26 August, 2016, Melbourne, Australia
• Best poster award: at American Society for Microbiology in the 50th annual Conference of Association of Microbiologists of India, at National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India. December 15-18, 2009.
• Best poster award: at 5th retreat of Center, Bernhard Gottlieb University Dental Clinic in Sensengasse 2a, Wien, Austria on September 16, 2014

Professional Affiliations & Entrepreneurial Activities

• ÖGAI Member, Österreichische Gesellschaft für Allergologie und Immunologie (ÖGAI) – Austrian Society of Allergology and Immunology, Austria
• Associate Member, TiE Pune an arm of TiE Global, a renowned non-profit organization devoted to nurturing entrepreneurship
• Participated in the TiE Global Pitch Competition as part of the TiE Women’s Program, Pune Chapter
• Attended BNI Orion Chapter Meeting on 11th July 2025 at Spice Court, Balewadi, Pune
• Participated in TiE Pune Masterclass: Building a Strong Brand Presence on LinkedIn, MCCIA Trade Tower, Pune
• Attended TiE Women Engagement Session: Innovation for Scale & Entrepreneurial Success, on 12th July, 2025, organized by TiE Pune, at MCCIA, ICC Towers, Pune