Induction of the cellular microRNA-29c by influenza virus contributes to virus-mediated apoptosis through repression of antiapoptotic factors BCL2L2

► miR-29c is significantly up-regulated in influenza virus-infected A549 cells. ► miR-29c targets and inhibits BCL2L2 protein expression. ► Influenza virus decreases BCL2L2 expression through upregulation of miR-29c. ► Influenza virus induces A549 cell death, in part, by miR-29c- BCL2L2.