Plays a role in the inhibition of host innate immune response to promote latent infection. Mechanistically, suppresses viral DNA-triggered signaling by impairing DNA binding and oligomerization of CGAS. Impairs also the translocation of host STING1 from the endoplasmic reticulum to perinuclear punctate structures which is an essential step for its activation (By similarity). Regulates the function of host NEDD4 family ubiquitin E3 ligases through its PPxY motif and thereby prevents the excessive ubiquitination of gB and its degradation by inhibiting these E3 ligases (PubMed:34260096). Interacts with host ITCH; this interaction induces the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of ITCH (PubMed:29535361). Interacts with host STING1 (By similarity). Interacts with CGAS (By similarity). Accumulates in the perinuclear region of the host cytoplasm, with some dispersal into the cytoplasm in a fine-speckled pattern. Late-budding domains (L domains) are short sequence motifs essential for viral particle budding. They recruit proteins of the host ESCRT machinery (Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport) or ESCRT-associated proteins. Contains one L domain: a PPXY motif which is involved in the interaction with Itch, a member of the Nedd4 family. In the absence of functional UL42, a significant amount of gB interacts with host ITCH leading to gB ubiquitination and degradation. Belongs to the Cytomegalovirus UL42 protein family.