Andrew J Shepherd, B.Sc. Ph.D.
Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine
About Dr. Andrew J Shepherd
Dr. Shepherd is interested in understanding the impact of neuroimmune interactions in chronic pain states. It has been shown that macrophages can profoundly affect the progression of nerve injury and the associated pain. These processes can be influenced by pre-existing systemic inflammation, such as that seen in obesity and certain types of cancer.
Dr. Shepherd engages in pre-clinical research to elucidate the mechanisms that link inflammation to pain induced by various forms of injury, including joint damage and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, with a particular focus on signaling related to the renin-angiotensin system. The ultimate goal of this research is to identify interventions that can mitigate or prevent the development of pain associated with these chronic disease states.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Associate Professor, Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Assistant Professor, Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Associate Professor, Symptom Research, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Assistant Professor, Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Research Interests
I have a broad background in neuroimmunology, with training and expertise in rodent models of pain, behavioral readouts of pain sensitivity, learning and memory, and assays of primary rodent and human sensory neuron function. As a postdoc and research-track faculty member, I laid the groundwork for a research effort to understand the involvement of angiotensin-induced signaling events in nerve injury. The research in my own lab covers a broad spectrum of disease states, with a unifying focus on understanding the impact of neuro-immune crosstalk in chronic pain and neurodegeneration. I have an extensive background in rodent neurobehavioral testing (15+ years), which forms a key part of my group's research program. We were recently funded by the Department of Defense for a project focusing on cognitive impairment in colorectal cancer. As co-director of the MD Anderson Rodent Neurobehavioral core facility, I am well-versed in the various behavioral testing strategies, best practices and strengths/limitations of the many approaches that can be used to assess somatosensation, motivation and cognition in rodents. My group also has 10+ years of experience with live-cell functional characterization of peripheral and central nervous system neurons, in terms of calcium flux and electrical activity. Along with expertise in nervous system histology and flow cytometry of leukocytes, we are well equipped to address questions pertaining to neuro-immune crosstalk in pain and neurotoxicity related to cancer and its treatment.
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2014 | The University of Iowa, Iowa, Iowa, US, Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuropharmacology |
| 2007 | The University of Manchester, Manchester, GB, Postdoctoral Fellow in Developmental Neuroscience |
| 2006 | The University of Manchester, Manchester, GB, Ph.D. in Neuroimmunomodulation |
| 2003 | The University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology, Manchester, GB, BS in Molecular Cell Biology |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Adjunct Lecturer, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, 2017
Instructor, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 2015 - 2018
Assistant Research Scientist, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 2014
Course Coordinator, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 2013 - 2014
Lecturer, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 2012 - 2013
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 2008 - 2014
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Manchester, Manchester, 2006 - 2007
Research Assistant, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, Manchester, 2002 - 2003
Intramural Institutional Committee Activities
Co-Director, MD Anderson Pain Research Consortium, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - Present
Executive Committee Member, MD Anderson Pain Research Consortium, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2020 - 2021
Senator, Faculty Senate, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019 - 2025
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Chair, Gulf Coast Consortium Translational Pain Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2025 - 2027
Co-Chair, Gulf Coast Consortium Translational Pain Research, Rice University, 2023 - 2025
Committee Member, Gulf Coast Consortium Junior Faculty Committee, Rice University, 2021 - 2025
Committee Member, Gulf Coast Consortium Translational Pain Research, Rice University, 2020 - Present
Editorial Activities
Editorial Board Member, Neuroimmunomodulation, 2025 - Present
Associate Editor, Pain Reports, 2025 - Present
Honors & Awards
| 2024 | Cyrus Scholar Award, MD Anderson Division of Internal Medicine |
| 2020 | Cyrus Scholar Award, MD Anderson Division of Internal Medicine |
| 2014 | Young Investigator Travel Award, American Pain Society |
| 2014 | Poster Award Winner, University of Iowa Pharmacology Research Retreat |
| 2012 | Postdoctoral Fellow Poster Session Winner, University of Iowa Health Sciences Research Week |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2026. Neuropathology associated with cancer and its treatment: integration of rodent and non-human primate studies. Panelist. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2026. Neuropathology associated with cancer and its treatment: integration of rodent and non-human primate studies. Panelist. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. Latent neuropathy in colorectal cancer: a CIPN risk factor?. Panelist. MD Anderson Research Town Hall. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. Colon cancer-driven nerve damage: implications for therapy and survivorship. GSBS Neuroscience program orientation. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. Cancer Neuroscience Program Update: Milestones & Momentum. Panelist. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. Inflammatory neuropathy in preclinical models of colorectal cancer. DoIM grand rounds. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2024. Neurocognitive assessment. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2024. TTI-101, STAT3 & neuro-immune interactions in chronic pain. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2024. Targeting STAT3 Signaling to Promote Recovery from Neuropathic Pain. Invited. DoIM Research Retreat Cyrus Scholar Award Finalist. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2024. Paraneoplastic Neuropathy: Insights from Basic Science. Conference. Pain Management in Cancer Care Symposium. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. Neuroimmune interactions in chronic pain: models, mechanisms and therapies. Invited. T32 Research Retreat. Iowa City, Iowa, US.
- 2022. Angiotensin Signaling and Neuro-Immune Crosstalk in Chronic Pain. Invited. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2022. Angiotensin Signaling and Neuro-Immune Crosstalk in Chronic Pain. Invited. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2021. Pain due to Cancer and its Treatment: Insights and Novel Therapeutic Targets. Invited. Grand Rounds. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2020. Angiotensin Signaling and Neuro-Immune Crosstalk in Chronic Pain. Conference. DoIM Research Retreat Cyrus Scholar Award Finalist. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2019. Angiotensin Signaling Augments Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain in a Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer. Poster. Cancer Research Symposium. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2019. Chronic Neuropathic Pain is Mediated by Macrophages and Angiotensin Receptor Signaling. Poster. DoIM Research Retreat. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2019. Neuroimmune Interactions in Neuropathic Pain: Involvement of Angiotensin Receptor Signaling. Invited. IBP Seminar Series. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2019. Angiotensin Receptor Signaling in Chronic Pain States. Invited. MD Anderson CNI Symposium. Houston, Texas, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2025. Latent neuropathy in colorectal cancer: a CIPN risk factor?. Invited. GCC Translational Pain Research. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. Repurposing Angiotensin Blockers to Modify Neuroimmune Crosstalk in Neuropathy and Chronic Pain. Invited. AAPS-NERDG. New York, NY, US.
- 2023. A mouse model of paraneoplastic neuropathy driven by colorectal cancer. Conference. Translational Pain Research Conference. Houston, TX, US.
- 2021. Targeting Neuroimmune Interactions for Relief of Chronic Pain. Invited, US.
- 2021. Angiotensin Signaling and Neuro-Immune Crosstalk in Chronic Pain. Invited. Indianapolis, Indiana, US.
- 2019. Angiotensin Receptor Signaling in Chronic Pain States. Conference. Translational Pain Research Conference. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Angiotensin II causes mechanical hypersensitivity via macrophage-derived ROS production. Conference. Angiotensin II causes mechanical hypersensitivity via macrophage-derived ROS production. Austin, TX, US.
- 2013. A voltage-gated potassium channel regulates neuronal resilience and death in neuro-HIV infection. Conference. A voltage-gated potassium channel regulates neuronal resilience and death in neuro-HIV infection. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2013. PTHrP-TRPV1 signaling axis in pain associated with breast cancer bone metastasis. Conference. PTHrP-TRPV1 signaling axis in pain associated with breast cancer bone metastasis. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2013. Complement C5a produces nociceptive sensitization via TRPV1 in mouse. Conference. Complement C5a produces nociceptive sensitization via TRPV1 in mouse. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2012. Regulation of neuronal survival-death dynamics via chemokine SDF-1α-induced distinct modulations in Kv2.1 channel. Conference. Regulation of neuronal survival-death dynamics via chemokine SDF-1α-induced distinct modulations in Kv2.1 channel. New Orleans, LA, US.
- 2012. Characterization of Ca2+-binding protein 1 (CaBP1) expression and localization in mouse brain. Conference. Characterization of Ca2+-binding protein 1 (CaBP1) expression and localization in mouse brain. New Orleans, LA, US.
- 2012. Modulation of TRPV1 activity by PTHrP: A mechanism for pain associated with breast cancer bone metastasis. Conference. Modulation of TRPV1 activity by PTHrP: A mechanism for pain associated with breast cancer bone metastasis. New Orlenas, LA, US.
- 2012. Mamba venom natriuretic peptide influences nociceptor sensitization by acting on TRPV1. Conference. Mamba venom natriuretic peptide influences nociceptor sensitization by acting on TRPV1. New Orleans, LA, US.
National Presentations
- 2026. Latent neuropathy in colorectal cancer: implications for cancer survivorship. Invited. Cincinnati, Ohio, US.
- 2025. Latent neuropathy in colorectal cancer: implications for cancer survivorship. Invited. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US.
- 2025. Neuro-immune interactions influence chronic pain risk following cancer. Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Symposium. Princeton, New Jersey, US.
- 2023. Non-addictive Angiotensin AT2 Inhibitors for Neuropathic Pain Relief. Poster. SfN 2023. Washington, D.C, District of Columbia, US.
- 2023. Near-Infrared Fluorescent Nanoemulsion-Based Imaging of Inflammation and Associations with Pain in a Mouse Model of Lower Limb Neuromuscular Polytrauma. Poster. MHSRS 2023. Kissimmee, Florida, US.
- 2022. Colon Cancer Augments Sensitivity to Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain. Conference. USASP annual meeting. Cincinnati, Ohio, US.
- 2021. Static and Semi-Static Gait Analysis in Rodents. Conference. 2021 Pain in Animals Virtual Workshop. Raleigh, NC, US.
- 2021. Angiotensin Signaling and Neuro-Immune Crosstalk in Chronic Pain. Invited. Pittsburgh, PA, US.
- 2021. Immune cell tracking in diabetic neuropathy mouse model with NIRF labeled nanoemulsions provides new insights into DPN pain. Poster. MHSRS 2021 (CANCELED). Kissimmee, Florida, US.
- 2021. Neuroimmune Interactions in Cancer Pain and Peripheral Neuropathy. Invited. Rita Allen Pain Scholars Symposium, US.
- 2021. Neuroimmune Interactions in Cancer Pain and Chemotherapy. Invited. #Pain2021 virtual workshop, US.
- 2020. Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor Signaling in Chronic Pain. Invited. Experimental Biology 2020 (CANCELED). San Diego, CA, US.
- 2019. AT2R signaling within macrophages underlies chronic neuropathic pain. Poster. Cell Neuroimmune Symposium. Long Beach, California, US.
- 2019. Pain hypersensitivity in chronic traumatic neuropathy is mediated by peripheral macrophages and AT2R signaling. Conference. Pain hypersensitivity in chronic traumatic neuropathy is mediated by peripheral macrophages and AT2R signaling. London, England, GB.
- 2019. Pain Hypersensitivity in Chronic Traumatic Neuropathy is Mediated by Peripheral Macrophages and AT2R Signaling. Conference. Pain Hypersensitivity in Chronic Traumatic Neuropathy is Mediated by Peripheral Macrophages and AT2R Signaling. Milwaukee, WI, US.
- 2019. Macrophage Angiotensin II Type-2 Receptor Triggers Neuropathic Pain. Poster. APS 2019. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US.
- 2019. Pain hypersensitivity in chronic traumatic neuropathy is mediated by peripheral macrophages and AT2R signaling. Conference. Pain hypersensitivity in chronic traumatic neuropathy is mediated by peripheral macrophages and AT2R signaling. Milwaukee, WI, US.
- 2017. Macrophage Angiotensin II Type-2 (AT2R) Receptor is Critical for Neuropathic Pain. Conference. Macrophage Angiotensin II Type-2 (AT2R) Receptor is Critical for Neuropathic Pain. Washington, DC, US.
- 2017. Mechanisms of thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia induced by the complement system component C5a: the role of macrophages and TRPV1. Conference. Mechanisms of thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia induced by the complement system component C5a: the role of macrophages and TRPV1. Washington, DC, US.
- 2017. Intercellular Redox Signaling Between Macrophage AT2R and Sensory Neuron TRPA1 Mediates Nociceptor Excitation. Conference. Intercellular Redox Signaling Between Macrophage AT2R and Sensory Neuron TRPA1 Mediates Nociceptor Excitation. Washington, DC, US.
- 2016. NGF and CNP induce mechanical hypersensitivity and hyperalgesic priming through distinct signaling mechanisms converging on TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels. Conference. NGF and CNP induce mechanical hypersensitivity and hyperalgesic priming through distinct signaling mechanisms converging on TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels. Austin, TX, US.
- 2016. Molecular, Cellular and Anatomical Mechanisms Underlying Peripheral Detection of Painful Stimuli in Injury and Inflammation. Conference. Molecular, Cellular and Anatomical Mechanisms Underlying Peripheral Detection of Painful Stimuli in Injury and Inflammation. Breckenridge, CO, US.
- 2015. Distinct Pathways Underlying Peripheral Thermal and Mechanical Hypersensitivity Induced by C-type Natriuretic Peptide. Conference. Distinct Pathways Underlying Peripheral Thermal and Mechanical Hypersensitivity Induced by C-type Natriuretic Peptide. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2015. AT2-ROS signaling induces peripheral mechanical, but not thermal hypersensitivity elicited by Angiotensin-II. Conference. AT2-ROS signaling induces peripheral mechanical, but not thermal hypersensitivity elicited by Angiotensin-II. Palm Springs, CA, US.
- 2014. Nociceptor sensitization by PTHrP: a mechanism for pain associated with breast cancer bone metastasis. Conference. Nociceptor sensitization by PTHrP: a mechanism for pain associated with breast cancer bone metastasis. Tampa, FL, US.
- 2014. Distinct pathways underlying pain hypersensitivity caused by Ctype natriuretic peptide. Conference. Distinct pathways underlying pain hypersensitivity caused by Ctype natriuretic peptide. Tampa, FL, US.
- 2013. Distinct Pathways Underlying Pain Hypersensitivity Caused by C-Type Natriuretic Peptide. Conference. Distinct Pathways Underlying Pain Hypersensitivity Caused by C-Type Natriuretic Peptide. Cincinnati, OH, US.
International Presentations
- 2026. Neuropathy in Colorectal Cancer: Implications for CIPN. Invited. PORT for Health: Oncology 2026. Wroclaw, PL.
- 2024. Fibroblast control of macrophage phenotype in chronic pain states. Conference. IASP 2024. Amsterdam, NL.
- 2024. Fibroblast Control of Macrophage Phenotype in Chronic Pain States. Invited. MCSA-ETN PIANO 3rd Annual Meeting and Conference. Elche, ES.
- 2022. Neuroimmune interactions & Ang II Receptor Signaling: Neuropathic Pain and Beyond. Conference. IASP 2022. Toronto, CA.
- 2022. Angiotensin Signaling and Neuro-immune Crosstalk in Chronic Pain. Invited. Aachen, DE.
- 2022. Angiotensin Signaling and Neuro-immune Interactions in Chronic Pain States. Conference. Pain Mechanisms and Therapeutics Conference. Verona, IT.
- 2019. Unevoked Measures of Pain Sensitivity in Mice: One Scientist’s Experience. Invited. Espoo, FI.
Formal Peers
- 2023. Neuro-immune Interactions in Chronic Pain. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. Paraneoplastic Neuropathy in Colorectal Cancer: Preclinical findings and implications for therapy. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2022. Macrophages as Drivers of Chronic Pain. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2018. Angiotensin II and Neuroimmune Crosstalk in Neuropathic Pain. Invited. London, England, GB.
- 2013. Intrinsic Regulation of Survival and Death in Mammalian Brain Neurons: a Potassium Channel Holds the Key. Invited. Manchester, GB.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2024 - 2027 |
| Title: | Understanding NRF2 repression in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) growth and pain |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | RP240220 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2028 |
| Title: | Integrated Mechanisms and Phenotypes of Chronic Post-Surgical Pain |
| Funding Source: | Washington University St Louis |
| Role: | Co-PI |
| ID: | FP00018728 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2026 |
| Title: | Epigenetic Modification of Macrophages by Targeted Nanoparticles for Sustained Relief in Post-Trauma Chronic Pain |
| Funding Source: | Department of Defense (DOD) |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | FP00017594 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2028 |
| Title: | Injectable nonopioid microtherapeutic for sustained pain control |
| Funding Source: | Baylor College of Medicine |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | R01 DA058651 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2027 |
| Title: | Development of Pathology-activated Drugs for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NINDS |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | UG3 NS127251-01A1 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2027 |
| Title: | Myeloid-Targeted Epigenetic Modification to Mitigate Chronic Pain Risk Post- Sepsis |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NINDS |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | R01 NS129561 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2025 |
| Title: | Targeting STAT3 Signaling to Promote Recovery from Neuropathic Pain |
| Funding Source: | Department of Defense (DOD) |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | W81XWH-21-CPMRP-IIRA |
| Date: | 2022 - 2025 |
| Title: | Ferroptosis Inhibiting Osteoarthritis Nano‐Analgesic (FIONA) Platform as an Intraarticular Disease Modifying Treatment Strategy |
| Funding Source: | Duquesne University |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | W81XWH-21-PRMRP-IIRA |
| Date: | 2022 - 2027 |
| Title: | Angiotensin Signaling Underlies Myeloid and Sensory Disruption in Diabetes |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDDK |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | R01 DK 132019 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2026 |
| Title: | Development of Pathology-Activated Prodrugs for Non-Opioid Treatment of Chronic Pain |
| Funding Source: | DOD/Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (DOD/CDMRP) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | FP00014533 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2027 |
| Title: | Development of Pathology activated Drugs for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NINDS |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1 UG3 NS127251 - 01 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2027 |
| Title: | Role of Angiotensin II in Bladder Dysfunction and Fibrosis |
| Funding Source: | University of Florida |
| Role: | Principal Investigator-MDACC |
| ID: | FP00013657 |
| Date: | 2021 - 2026 |
| Title: | Neuroimmune Crosstalk in Neuropathy Mediated by Angiotensin Receptor Signaling |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NINDS |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | 1 R01 NS124737 -01 |
| Date: | 2021 - 2024 |
| Title: | Targeting Angiotensin-Based Neuroimmune Crosstalk for Treatment of Neuromuscular Trauma |
| Funding Source: | Department of Defense (DOD) |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | W81-XWH-2110197 |
| Date: | 2021 - 2026 |
| Title: | Angiotensin Receptor Signaling in Neuropathic Pain States |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | 1 R01 NS117760-01 |
| Date: | 2021 - 2023 |
| Title: | Co-Morbid Depression in Chronic Pain: The Role of Angiotensin AT2 Receptor Signaling |
| Funding Source: | Brain and Behavior Research Foundation |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | FP00010633 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2021 |
| Title: | Angiotensin Signaling and Neuro-Immune Crosstalk in Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Paiin |
| Funding Source: | UT MDACC Adverse Incident Bridge Funding |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | 00059224 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2023 |
| Title: | Angiotensin Receptor Signaling Augments Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain |
| Funding Source: | The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center DoIM |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2020 - 2021 |
| Title: | Angiotensin Signaling and Neuro-Immune Crosstalk in Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain |
| Funding Source: | The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2020 - 2024 |
| Title: | Validation of Fibroblast-Derived PI16 as a Novel Target for Pain Treatment |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NINDS |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | R01 NS116704 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2023 |
| Title: | Neuro-immune Interactions in Pain Associated with Cancer and Chemotherapy |
| Funding Source: | Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Program |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | FP00010350 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2021 |
| Title: | Angiotensin Drives Inflammation and Chronic Bone Pain in Metastatic Prostate Cancer |
| Funding Source: | The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center IRG |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | 00058865 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2022 |
| Title: | Angiotensin II: a Dual Trigger of Macrophage-Driven Neuropathy in Chemotherapy |
| Funding Source: | Andrew Sabin Family Foundation Award |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2020 - 2022 |
| Title: | Angiotensin Links Obesity to Osteoarthritis Pain via Neuroimmune |
| Funding Source: | Department of Defense (DOD) |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | W81XWH-19-PRMRP-DA |
| Date: | 2020 - Present |
| Title: | Neuro-Immuno Modulating Analgesic (NiMA) Nanomedicine Platform for Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy |
| Funding Source: | DOD/Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (DOD/CDMRP) |
| Role: | Co-PI |
| ID: | W81XWH-20-1-0277 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2025 |
| Title: | Angiotensin Signaling and Neuro-immune Crosstalk in Neuropathic Pain States |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NINR |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | R01NS117760 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2023 |
| Title: | Angiotensin Signaling Drives Inflammation and Pain in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes |
| Funding Source: | American Heart Association |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | FP00010109 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2025 |
| Title: | Non-Addictive Angiotensin AT2 Inhibitors for Neuropathic Pain Relief |
| Funding Source: | University of Southern California |
| Role: | Co-PI |
| ID: | UH3 NS116929 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2025 |
| Title: | Neuroimmune Crosstalk Augments Osteoarthritis Pain in Obesity |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NINDS |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | R01AR077343 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2022 |
| Title: | Meningeal Immunity: A Neuroinflammatory Nexus |
| Funding Source: | Chan Zuckerberg Inittiative |
| Role: | Co-PI |
| ID: | FP00009818 |
| Date: | 2019 - 2024 |
| Title: | Nrf2 Activation for Addiction-Free Treatment of Neuropathic Pain |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NINDS |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | RF1NS113840 |
| Date: | 2019 - 2020 |
| Title: | Angiotensin II Augments Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathy in Colorectal Cancer |
| Funding Source: | The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Institutional Research Grant Application |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2019 - 2020 |
| Title: | Angiotensin Links Obesity to Osteoarthritis Pain via Neuroimmune Crosstalk |
| Funding Source: | Arthritis National Research Foundation |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | FP00007258 |
| Date: | 2019 - 2023 |
| Title: | PQ12 Targeting HDAC6 for Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy and Chemobrain (Admin Suppl) |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | 3 R01 CA227064-02S1 |
| Date: | 2019 - 2022 |
| Title: | University of Texas System Rising STARs Award |
| Funding Source: | The University of Texas System Faculty Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention (STARs) program |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2018 - 2024 |
| Title: | PQ12 Targeting HDAC6 for Chemotherapy Induced Neuropathy and Chemobrain |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | R01CA227064 |
| Date: | 2017 - 2018 |
| Title: | Angiotensin Links Osteoarthritis Pain to Obesity via Macrophages and TRPA1 |
| Funding Source: | Washington University Nutrition Obesity Research Center |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | P30DK056341 |
| Date: | 2017 - 2022 |
| Title: | PQ9 Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Repair Chemobrain |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | R01 CA208371 |
| Date: | 2016 - 2022 |
| Title: | Neuroimmune Mechanisms of Recovery from Comorbid Depression and Chronic Pain |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NINDS |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | R01 NS073939 |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Pandey, V, Acharya, TK, Willcox, K, Dembla, S, Ramanujan, A, Grieco, AR, Zuberi, YA, Mahalingam, R, Shepherd, AJ, Heijnen, CJ, Grace, P. Peripheral nerve injury reduces macrophage efferocytosis to facilitate neuropathic pain. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 123(1), 2026. e-Pub 2026. PMID: 41481465.
- Mohan P, Sobhanan J, Gaffney CM, Mehrotra N, Cabrera FJ, Lee R, Adumbumkulath A, Haas E, Shepherd AJ, Shin CS, Acharya G. Local Delivery of Non-opioid Analgesic Microparticles to Modulate Post-surgical Pain. Pharm Res 42(9):1573-1585, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40903542.
- Vichare R, Kulahci Y, McCallin R, Zor F, Selek FN, Liu L, Crelli C, Troidle A, Herneisey M, Nichols JM, Shepherd AJ, Gorantla VS, Janjic JM. Theranostic nanoemulsions suppress macrophage-mediated acute inflammation in rats. J Nanobiotechnology 23(1):80, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39905487.
- McIlvried, LA, Del Rosario, JS, Pullen, MY, Wanghzou, A, Sheahan, TD, Shepherd, AJ, Slivicki, RA, Lemen, JA, Price, TJ, Copits, BA, Gereau IV, RW. Intrinsic adaptive plasticity in mouse and human sensory neurons. Journal of General Physiology 157(1), 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39688836.
- Avery TD, Li J, Turner DJL, Rasheed MSU, Cherry FR, Stachura DL, Rivera-Escalera F, Ruiz DM, Lacagnina MJ, Gaffney CM, Aguilar C, Yu J, Wang Y, Xie H, Liang D, Shepherd AJ, Abell AD, Grace PM. Site-specific drug release of monomethyl fumarate to treat oxidative stress disorders. Nat Biotechnol 43(10):1624-1627, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39496929.
- Das AC, Nichols JM, Crelli CV, Liu L, Vichare R, Pham HV, Gaffney CM, Cherry FR, Grace PM, Shepherd AJ, Janjic JM. Injectable, reversibly thermoresponsive captopril-laden hydrogel for the local treatment of sensory loss in diabetic neuropathy. Sci Rep 14(1):18978, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39152212.
- Nichols JM, Pham HV, Lee EF, Mahalingam R, Shepherd AJ. Single-cell analysis of age-related changes in leukocytes of diabetic mouse hindpaws. Cell Mol Life Sci 81(1):146, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38502310.
- Cortez, I, Gaffney, CM, Crelli, CV, Lee, E, Nichols, JM, Pham, HV, Mehdi, S, Janjic, JM, Shepherd, AJ. Sustained pain and macrophage infiltration in a mouse muscle contusion model. Muscle and Nerve 69(1):103-114, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 37929655.
- Cortez I, Gaffney CM, Vichare R, Crelli CV, Liu L, Lee E, Edralin J, Nichols JM, Pham HV, Mehdi S, Janjic JM, Shepherd AJ. Neuromuscular Polytrauma Pain is Resolved by Macrophage COX-2 Nanoimmunomodulation. Int J Nanomedicine 19:7253-7271, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39050880.
- Garrity R, Arora N, Haque MA, Weis D, Trinh RT, Neerukonda SV, Kumari S, Cortez I, Ubogu EE, Mahalingam R, Tavares-Ferreira D, Price TJ, Kavelaars A, Heijnen CJ, Shepherd AJ. Fibroblast-derived PI16 sustains inflammatory pain via regulation of CD206+ myeloid cells. Brain Behav Immun 112:220-234, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37315702.
- McIlvried LA, Del Rosario JS, Pullen MY, Wangzhou A, Sheahan TD, Shepherd AJ, Slivicki RA, Lemen JA, Price TJ, Copits BA, Gereau RW. Intrinsic Homeostatic Plasticity in Mouse and Human Sensory Neurons. bioRxiv, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37398430.
- Robilotto GL, Mohapatra DP, Shepherd AJ, Mickle AD. Role of Src kinase in regulating protein kinase C mediated phosphorylation of TRPV1. Eur J Pain 26(9):1967-1978, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35900227.
- Balogh M, Zhang J, Gaffney CM, Kalakuntla N, Nguyen NT, Trinh RT, Aguilar C, Pham HV, Milutinovic B, Nichols JM, Mahalingam R, Shepherd AJ. Sensory neuron dysfunction in orthotopic mouse models of colon cancer. J Neuroinflammation 19(1):204, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35962398.
- Gaffney CM, Muwanga G, Shen H, Tawfik VL, Shepherd AJ. Mechanical Conflict-Avoidance Assay to Measure Pain Behavior in Mice. J Vis Exp 2022(180), 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35253785.
- Balogh M, Janjic JM, Shepherd AJ. Targeting Neuroimmune Interactions in Diabetic Neuropathy with Nanomedicine. Antioxid Redox Signal 36(1-3):122-143, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 34416821.
- Nichols JM, Crelli CV, Liu L, Pham HV, Janjic JM, Shepherd AJ. Tracking macrophages in diabetic neuropathy with two-color nanoemulsions for near-infrared fluorescent imaging and microscopy. J Neuroinflammation 18(1):299, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34949179.
- English K, Shepherd A, Uzor NE, Trinh R, Kavelaars A, Heijnen CJ. Astrocytes rescue neuronal health after cisplatin treatment through mitochondrial transfer. Acta Neuropathol Commun 8(1):36, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32197663.
- Shepherd, AJ, Mohapatra, DP. Attenuation of Unevoked Mechanical and Cold Pain Hypersensitivities Associated with Experimental Neuropathy in Mice by Angiotensin II Type-2 Receptor Antagonism. Anesthesia and analgesia 128(6):E84-E87, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31094778.
- Warwick CA, Shutov LP, Shepherd AJ, Mohapatra DP, Usachev YM. Mechanisms underlying mechanical sensitization induced by complement C5a: the roles of macrophages, TRP channels and CGRP receptors. Pain 160(3):702-711, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 30507785.
- Shepherd AJ, Mickle AD, Golden JP, Mack MR, Halabi CM, de Kloet AD, Samineni VK, Kim BS, Krause EG, Gereau RW, Mohapatra DP. Macrophage Angiotensin II type-2 Receptor Triggers Neuropathic Pain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 115(34):E8057-E8066, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 30082378.
- Shepherd AJ, Copits BA, Mickle AD, Karlsson P, Kadunganattil S, Haroutounian S, Tadinada SM, de Kloet AD, Valtcheva MV, McIlvried LA, Sheahan TD, Jain S, Ray PR, Usachev YM, Dussor G, Krause EG, Price TJ, Gereau RW, Mohapatra DP. Angiotensin II Triggers Peripheral Macrophage-to-Sensory Neuron Redox Crosstalk to Elicit Pain. J Neurosci 38(32):7032-7057, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29976627.
- Shepherd AJ, Mickle AD, McIlvried LA, Gereau RW, Mohapatra DP. Parathyroid hormone-related peptide activates and modulates TRPV1 channel in human DRG neurons. European Journal of Pain 22(9):1685-1690, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29797679.
- Shepherd AJ, Mohapatra DP. Pharmacological validation of voluntary gait and mechanical sensitivity assays associated with inflammatory and neuropathic pain in mice. Neuropharmacology 130:18-29, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29191755.
- Shepherd AJ, Mickle AD, Kadunganattil S, Hu H, Mohapatra DP. Parathyroid hormone-related peptide elicits peripheral TRPV1-dependent mechanical hypersensitivity. Front Cell Neurosci 12:38, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29497363.
- Shepherd AJ, Cloud ME, Cao YQ, Mohapatra DP. Deficits in burrowing behaviors are indicative of neuropathic but not inflammatory pain or migraine in mice. Front Behav Neurosci 12:124, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 30002622.
- Sheahan TD, Siuda ER, Bruchas MR, Shepherd AJ, Mohapatra DP, Gereau RW, Golden JP. Inflammation and nerve injury minimally affect mouse voluntary behaviors proposed as indicators of pain. Neurobiol Pain 2:1-12, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 29075674.
- Shutov LP, Warwick CA, Shi X, Gnanasekaran A, Shepherd AJ, Mohapatra DP, Woodruff TM, Clark JD, Usachev YM. The Complement System Component C5a Produces Thermal Hyperalgesia via Macrophage-to-Nociceptor Signaling That Requires NGF and TRPV1. J Neurosci 36(18):5055-70, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27147658.
- Gupte RP, Kadunganattil S, Shepherd AJ, Merrill R, Planer W, Bruchas MR, Strack S, Mohapatra DP. Convergent phosphomodulation of the major neuronal dendritic potassium channel Kv4.2 by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide. Neuropharmacology 101:291-308, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 26456351.
- Mickle AD, Shepherd AJ, Loo L, Mohapatra DP. Induction of thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity by parathyroid hormone-related peptide through upregulation of TRPV1 function and trafficking. Pain 156(9):1620-36, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 25970319.
- Kim KY, Scholl ES, Liu X, Shepherd A, Haeseleer F, Lee A. Localization and expression of CaBP1/caldendrin in the mouse brain. Neuroscience 268:33-47, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 24631676.
- Sowers LP, Loo L, Wu Y, Campbell E, Ulrich JD, Wu S, Paemka L, Wassink T, Meyer K, Bing X, El-Shanti H, Usachev YM, Ueno N, Manak JR, Manak RJ, Shepherd AJ, Ferguson PJ, Darbro BW, Richerson GB, Mohapatra DP, Wemmie JA, Bassuk AG. Disruption of the non-canonical Wnt gene PRICKLE2 leads to autism-like behaviors with evidence for hippocampal synaptic dysfunction. Mol Psychiatry 18(10):1077-89, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 23711981.
- Hall DD, Dai S, Tseng PY, Malik Z, Nguyen M, Matt L, Schnizler K, Shephard A, Mohapatra DP, Tsuruta F, Dolmetsch RE, Christel CJ, Lee A, Burette A, Weinberg RJ, Hell JW. Competition between α-actinin and Ca²?-calmodulin controls surface retention of the L-type Ca²? channel Ca(V)1.2. Neuron 78(3):483-97, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 23664615.
- Shepherd AJ, Loo L, Mohapatra DP. Chemokine co-receptor CCR5/CXCR4-dependent modulation of Kv2.1 channel confers acute neuroprotection to HIV-1 glycoprotein gp120 exposure. PLoS One 8(9):e76698, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 24086760.
- Shepherd AJ, Loo L, Gupte RP, Mickle AD, Mohapatra DP. Distinct modifications in Kv2.1 channel via chemokine receptor CXCR4 regulate neuronal survival-death dynamics. J Neurosci 32(49):17725-39, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 23223293.
- Loo L, Shepherd AJ, Mickle AD, Lorca RA, Shutov LP, Usachev YM, Mohapatra DP. The C-type natriuretic peptide induces thermal hyperalgesia through a noncanonical Gβγ-dependent modulation of TRPV1 channel. J Neurosci 32(35):11942-55, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 22933780.
- Maity B, Stewart A, Yang J, Loo L, Sheff D, Shepherd AJ, Mohapatra DP, Fisher RA. Regulator of G protein signaling 6 (RGS6) protein ensures coordination of motor movement by modulating GABAB receptor signaling. J Biol Chem 287(7):4972-81, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 22179605.
- Shepherd AJ, Mohapatra DP. Tissue preparation and immunostaining of mouse sensory nerve fibers innervating skin and limb bones. J Vis Exp(59):e3485, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 22314687.
- Yang J, Huang J, Maity B, Gao Z, Lorca RA, Gudmundsson H, Li J, Stewart A, Swaminathan PD, Ibeawuchi SR, Shepherd A, Chen CK, Kutschke W, Mohler PJ, Mohapatra DP, Anderson ME, Fisher RA. RGS6, a modulator of parasympathetic activation in heart. Circ Res 107(11):1345-9, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20864673.
- Cains S, Shepherd A, Nabiuni M, Owen-Lynch PJ, Miyan J. Addressing a folate imbalance in fetal cerebrospinal fluid can decrease the incidence of congenital hydrocephalus. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 68(4):404-16, 2009. e-Pub 2009. PMID: 19287311.
- Shepherd AJ, Beresford LJ, Bell EB, Miyan JA. Mobilisation of specific T cells from lymph nodes in contact sensitivity requires substance P. J Neuroimmunol 164(1-2):115-23, 2005. e-Pub 2005. PMID: 15899523.
Review Articles
- Sur D, Zeng Y, Kobayashi H, Zhi X, Goetz MR, Muller CM, Zavitsanou AM, Picoli CC, Martel Matos AA, Pareja J, Savita BK, Lee T, Cunha-Junior JP, Amorim JH, Nikpoor AR, Dory A, Thanabalasuriar A, Galante PAF, Ma VT, James AW, Shepherd AJ, Oudin MJ, Bunimovich YL, Scheff NN, D'Silva NJ, Dixon KO, Abdus-Saboor I, Wang TC, Talbot S, Birbrair A. Entangled cellular and molecular relationships at the sensory neuron-cancer interface. Neuron 113(17):2760-2790, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40907473.
- Shepherd, AJ, Rice, AS, Smith, MT. Angiotensin II type 2 receptor signalling as a pain target. Current Opinion in Pharmacology 73, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 38041933.
- Balogh M, Aguilar C, Nguyen NT, Shepherd AJ. Angiotensin receptors and neuropathic pain. Pain Rep 6(1):e869, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33981922.
- Du KN, Shepherd AJ, Ma IV, Roldan CJ, Amit M, Feng LMS, Desai S, Cata JP. Lack of association between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers and pain improvement in patients with oral cancer. Ecancermedicalscience 14:1121, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 33209112.
- Meacham K, Shepherd A, Mohapatra DP, Haroutounian S. Neuropathic Pain: Central vs. Peripheral Mechanisms. Curr Pain Headache Rep 21(6):28, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28432601.
- Mickle AD, Shepherd AJ, Mohapatra DP. Nociceptive TRP Channels: Sensory Detectors and Transducers in Multiple Pain Pathologies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 9(4), 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27854251.
- Mickle AD, Shepherd AJ, Mohapatra DP. Sensory TRP channels: the key transducers of nociception and pain. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci 131:73-118, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 25744671.
- Shepherd AJ, Downing JE, Miyan JA. Without nerves, immunology remains incomplete -in vivo veritas. Immunology 116(2):145-63, 2005. e-Pub 2005. PMID: 16162264.
Other Articles
- Sur, D, Zeng, Y, Kobayashi, H, Zhi, X, Goetz, MR, Müller, CM, Zavitsanou, AM, Picoli, CC, Martel Matos, AA, Pareja, J, Savita, BK, Lee, T, Cunha-Junior, JP, Amorim, JH, Nikpoor, AR, Dory, A, Thanabalasuriar, A, Galante, PA, Ma, VT, James, A, Shepherd, AJ, Oudin, M, Bunimovich, YL, Scheff, NN, D'Silva, NJ, Dixon, KO, Abdus-Saboor, I, Wang, TC, Talbot, S, Birbrair, A Erratum. Neuron 113(20):3491, 2025. PMID: 41016393.
- Sowers, LP, Loo, L, Wu, Y, Campbell, E, Ulrich, JD, Wu, S, Paemka, L, Wassink, T, Meyer, K, Bing, X, El-Shanti, H, Usachev, YM, Ueno, N, Manak, RJ, Shepherd, AJ, Ferguson, PJ, Darbro, B, Richerson, GB, Mohapatra, DP, Wemmie, JA, Bassuk, AG Erratum. Molecular psychiatry 19(6):742, 2014.
Abstracts
- Mohapatra DP, Loo L, Lorca R, Shepherd A, Usachev Y, Yorek M. Modulation of TRPV1 and TTXr-Na+ channels by natriuretic peptides and IL6 family cytokines: a mechanism for cardiac nociceptive reflex. APS 2011 12(S4):P30, 2011. e-Pub 2011.
- Vaddi S, Rasul S, Cains S, Shepherd A, Bannister C. Comparison of key interhemispheric connections and the posterior commissure in normal and hydrocephalic rat fetuses. 52nd Annual Meeting of the Society for Research into Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida 6(S1):S8, 2009. e-Pub 2009.
- Stewart A, Maity B, Yang J, Loo L, Shepherd AJ, Mohapatra DP, Fisher RA. Regulator of G Protein Signaling 6 (RGS6) ensures coordination of motor movement by modulating GABAB Receptor (GABABR) signaling. Experimental Biology 2012.
- Shepherd A, Mohapatra DP. Are Voltage-gated Potassium (Kv) Channels Recruited Into Lipid Rafts In Mammalian Brain Neurons?. Biophysical Society 53rd Annual Meeting 96(3):560A-561A.
- Mickle A, Shepherd A, Loo L, Mohapatra DP. Nociceptor sensitization by PTHrP: a mechanism for pain associated with breast cancer bone metastasis. APS 2014.
Book Chapters
- Casaril, A, Gaffney, CM, Shepherd, AJ. Animal models of neuropathic pain, 339-401, 2024.
- Janjic JM, Balogh M, Reddy Adena SK, Fitzpatrick A, Pollock JA, Gorantla V, Shepherd AJ. Targeted Imaging and Therapeutic Technologies in Neuroregeneration. In: Reconstructive Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine: The Emerging Interface. CRC Press, 2021.
- Bocksteins E, Shepherd AJ, Mohapatra DP, Snyders DJ. Immunostaining of Voltage-Gated Ion Channels in Cell Lines and Neurons–Key Concepts and Potential Pitfalls. In: Applications of Immunocytochemistry. IntechOpen, 2012.
Letters to the Editor
- Shepherd AJ. Response to comment on: Fibroblast-derived PI16 sustains inflammatory pain via regulation of CD206(+) myeloid cells. Brain Behav Immun 117: 312, 2024.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified July 22, 2026