The present study investigated the mechanism of miR-942-5p in regulating HCT-8 cell apoptosis triggered by C. parvum infection, namely that the upregulation of miR-942-5p decreased HCT-8 cell apoptosis by targeting the IFI27 gene via the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) pathway and protected C. parvum from being cleared during the early stage of infection. The gene discussed is IFI27; the disease is infection.