EIF2AK3 and infection: Additionally, another predicted target of miR-24, Bim, a key apoptosis-regulator induced by PERK signaling and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) transcriptional activity, was significantly down regulated during infection with B. melitensis. MiR-24 inhibition resulted in a significant recovery in both Bim and STING, indicating that miR-24 is targeting both these mRNAs during B. melitensis infection.