The Spike Protein of SARS-CoV stimulates COX-2 expression and induced a rapid increase in the level of intracellular calcium due to the transporting calcium influx from outside the cell. 

This leads to the upregulation of MMP9 which is a determinant of SELECTIVE neurodegeneration. Both MMP-2 and MMP-9 are mostly detected in the cortex and cerebellum.

MMP-9 is implicated in Parkinson's, ALS, Glaucoma (yes, cataracts have been appearing in Long COVID) and Japanese Encephalitis. Also, MMP2/9 have also been implicated in cancer development and progression through their functions in cell apoptosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis.