The decrease (red) or increase (green) of a particular miR, during infection, may alter the mRNA translation of specific cellular proteins. Altered protein expression can interfere with inflammation, apoptosis or NK cell detection, which may benefit the pathogen. First, EBV-induced miRs may reduce inflammation and apoptosis, but may also stimulate IFNα2/4, which could promote apoptosis or tolerance. Second, KSHV-induced cellular miRs may interfere with IFN-β and SMAD signaling, thereby affecting inflammation and apoptosis. Third, the HCMV-induced decrease of miR-92a could reduce inflammation by increasing IL-10, while miR-132 and miR-17p can affect apoptosis and detection by NK cells. Finally, the MTB -induced miRs have all been associated with decreased inflammation. PTEN, phosphatase and tensin homolog; SMAD2, small mothers against decapentaplegic 2; PDCD4, programmed cell death protein 4; Fas-L, Fas ligand.