Plays a critical role in cytoplasmic virus egress. Participates in the final step of tegumentation and envelope acquisition within the host cytoplasm by directly interacting with the capsid. Upon virion binding to target cell, a signaling cascade is triggered to disrupt the interaction with the capsid, thereby preparing capsid uncoating. Interacts with cytoplasmic envelopment protein 3 and with the capsid. Localizes in the host nucleus up to 18 hours postinfection, but at later times localizes to punctate, cytoplasmic structures. Belongs to the herpesviridae cytoplasmic envelopment protein 2 family.