Our data demonstrate for the first time that LMP1, at least partly by activating the PI3K/AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway, can induce the expression of miR-21, which in turn targets and reduces the expression of PDCD4 and Fas-L, and thereby confers resistance to cisplatin treatment in NPC cells. The gene discussed is PDCD4; the disease is nasopharyngeal carcinoma.