This study also showed the association of neuroaxonal damage markers 14-3-3 and NfL, and proinflammatory cytokines IL-18, IL-1RA and IL-8 with COVID-19 severity in the acute phase, and interestingly, the significant association of CSF 14-3-3 and CSF NfL levels with the long-term functional outcome. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is COVID-19.