Inhibits the establishment of the antiviral state in the infected cell. Prevents the phosphorylation of the host eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF-2alpha/EIF2S1 and thus the shutoff of viral and cellular protein synthesis by directly interacting with EIF2AK2/PKR. Also inhibits host autophagy by interacting with host Beclin-1/BECN1. Interacts with host EIF2AK2/PKR; this interaction retains EIF2AK2 to the host nucleus and prevents its activation. Interaction (via N-terminus) with host BECN1; this interaction inhibits host autophagy. Interacts with the viral DNA polymerase accessory subunit UL44. Interacts with host HSPA5. Belongs to the herpesviridae US22 family.