Fig. 4.

Mitochondrial Ca²⁺dynamics and viral infections. Viruses act on mitochondrial Ca²⁺ dynamics for driving their replication and for inducing host cell apoptosis which in turn helps in viral exit. For example, HBV, HCV and HEV target mPTP, MCU and VDAC respectively for enhancing their replication. While HIV and PV stimulate VDAC and MCU activity thereby increasing mitochondrial Ca²⁺ concentration. The rise in mitochondrial Ca²⁺ levels leads to host cell apoptosis.