PKR (EIF2AK2) is activated by viral infection and inflammation (Chukwurah et al., 2021; García et al., 2006), and HRI (EIF2AK1) is enhanced by restricted heme or iron supply, oxidative stress, and disruptions in mitochondrial function (Fessler et al., 2020; Guo et al., 2020; Suragani et al., 2012). Here, EIF2AK2 is linked to viral infectious disease.