People

I am a Professor in the Departments of Immunology with cross-appointments in the Departments of Microbiology and Pediatrics. He studies the genetic causes of inborn errors of immunity, with a particular emphasis on the thymus. The thymus is the quintessential tissue needed for the development of T cells. A non-functional thymus leads to a severe combined immunodeficiency. He is a member of the Programs in Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, part of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. He also teaches in the Medical School and to Medical Fellows in the Allergy and Immunology Division. I first developed a passion for research while an undergraduate student studying Biochemistry at the University of Manitoba in Canada. Intrigued by a now defunct concept of the idiotypic network theory in the immune system, he embarked on a PhD program at McGill University. He focused on the immunoregulatory properties of alpha-fetoprotein. This led to an interest in the thymus, and Dr. van Oers did post-doctoral work at the University of British Columbia and the University of California, San Francisco. 

Nicolai joined the faculty at UT Southwestern.In the past decade, Dr. van Oers has formed a research team focused on the formation and function of the thymus in health and disease. Advanced approaches include mouse models of various human disorders (in part via novel gene discovery platforms) and thymus organoid studies. These have revealed key requirements for mesenchymal, endothelial, and epithelial cells in thymus tissue formation and function. Projected outcome is improved production of T cells from the thymus. This is immensely beneficial for patients with inborn errors of immunity, particular autoimmune conditions, and those who have had their thymus removed due to cardiac surgeries or damaged by chemotherapies.Outside of work, Dr. van Oers enjoys biking (commutes everyday), walking, running, traveling, and languages. He likes helping others and volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children.