The Vagabond Lab, led by Dr. Michael VanElzakker at the Division of Neurotherapeutics, Harvard Medical School, investigates the role of neuroinflammation in neurological and psychiatric conditions. Using state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques—specifically dual PET-MRI and ultra-high field 7-Tesla MRI—we explore the intricate relationship between the immune system and the brain.

Our research aims to describe the mechanisms by which neuroinflammation contributes to cognitive and behavioral dysfunction. Key areas of focus include:

• Neuroimmune Interactions: Investigating how peripheral immune signals influence brain function.
• Glial Cell Activation: Examining the role of microglia and astrocytes in neuroinflammation.
• Neuroimaging of Inflammation: Developing and applying advanced PET-MRI techniques to visualize neuroinflammation in vivo.
• Cognitive Dysfunction: Studying neuroinflammation’s impact on cognition in conditions such as Long COVID and ME/CFS.
• Biomarker Discovery: Identifying peripheral biomarkers that indicate central nervous system inflammation.
• Structural Brain Abnormalities: Exploring brain changes associated with infection-related chronic diseases.
• Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics: Examining CSF flow and pressure in neurological conditions.
• Autonomic Dysfunction: Investigating brainstem involvement in autonomic control and chronic illness.

Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Dysfunction in Long COVID & ME/CFS

Utilizing dual PET-MRI, this project measures neuroinflammation and its connection to cognitive performance in individuals with Long COVID and ME/CFS. Blood and saliva samples are also analyzed to investigate correlations between neuroinflammation and other disease markers.

Ultra-High Resolution 7-Tesla Imaging of Structural Abnormalities and CSF Flow in Infection-Associated Chronic Disease

This project leverages 7-Tesla MRI to study symptom mechanisms in Long COVID and ME/CFS patients. We focused on structural abnormalities (e.g., craniocervical instability), autonomic dysfunction, cerebrospinal fluid flow disruptions, brain blood flow irregularities, intracranial pressure markers, vagus nerve signaling dysregulation.

We employ a wide range of cutting-edge techniques, including:

• Dual PET-MRI Neuroimaging: Simultaneous assessment of neuroinflammation and brain function.
• Ultra-High Field 7-Tesla MRI: High-resolution imaging of structural and functional brain changes.
• Cognitive Testing: Standardized assessments to evaluate cognitive impairments.
• Biomarker Analysis: Blood and saliva testing for inflammatory markers and viral proteins.
• Computational Modeling: Advanced data analysis of neuroimaging and behavioral outcomes.

Principal Investigator:

• Dr. Michael VanElzakker, PhD - Assistant Professor, Division of Neurotherapeutics, Harvard Medical School

Postdoctoral Fellows:

• Dr. Mario Minor Murakami Junior, MD - Research Fellow, Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

Clinical Research Coordinators:

• Evelyn Barringer, BA
• Seiji Akera, BA

Collaborators:

• Dr. Roberta Sclocco, PhD - Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School

Previous Members:

• Deena Saadi, BA - Clinical Research Coordinators

For inquiries or collaboration opportunities, please contact:

Dr. Michael VanElzakker, PhD: mvanelzakker@mgh.harvard.edu Dr. Mario Murami, MD: mmurakamijunior@mgh.harvard.edu