Let us concern ourselves for the moment with the rapid neuronal damage aspect of this biomarker. The potential for accelerated neurodegeneration and onset of age-related neurodegenerative disease is highly likely given the damage the virus does to the brainstem and the damage done to the body's ability to repair DNA damage. the cell cycle, their unrepaired DNA may trigger cell death as they attempt to use a subset of genes that have not been transcribed for years, and the accumulation of damage is overwhelming. The DNA repair mechanisms are also involved in neurotoxicity which includes both neurocognitive dysfunction commonly called “chemobrain” and peripheral neuropathy. In cancer treatment this occurs frequently and has not been effectively studied at the cellular or molecular level. Patients with deficits within the genes involved in the

NER pathway develop progressive neurodegeneration. 

The virus may damage neurons and their repair mechanisms.

Investigation into the NER biomarker in Long COVID patients should occur. This information could be useful in guiding preventative and treatment protocols.