Virus Hijack (IMAGE) Princeton University Caption In a healthy neuron (left), mitochondria are carried along by motor proteins dynein and kinesin-1. Viral infection (right) floods the cell with calcium (Ca2+), which, when detected by the mitochondrial protein Miro, brings mitochondria to a halt and causes them to shed motor proteins. The Princeton researchers suggest that the virus then co-opts kinesin-1 to freely move within the infected cell and spread into the nervous system. The research presents a possible explanation for how other neurotropic viruses such as rabies, West Nile and polio also attack and disrupt the nervous system. Credit Tal Kramer Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.