Neurons (IMAGE) University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Caption Neurons (large round cells) latently infected with herpes simplex virus-1. The latency-associated transcript (LAT) probe is the black area within certain cells. LAT microRNA works through a process called RNA interference to prevent normal cell death or apoptosis, so that latent viral infection is maintained for the lifetime of the individual because the infected cell does not die. Credit (Credit: Nigel W. Fraser, PhD, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) 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.