Plays a role in transcriptional repression by promoting histone deacetylase activity, leading to deacetylation of histone H3 (PubMed:21221920). May be involved in the regulation of beta-2-microglobulin genes (By similarity). (Microbial infection) Involved in transcriptional repression of HHV-1 genes TK and gC. Interacts with histone deacetylase complex subunit SAP30. (Microbial infection) In fibroblasts by binding of HSV1. Belongs to the HCNGP family.