Essential for viral fusion with host endosomal membrane and core release (PubMed:32788374). Not required for virus morphogenesis and egress (PubMed:32788374). Induces complete autophagy through the interaction with and down-regulation of host PYCR2 (PubMed:33830435). Interacts with host PYCR2; this interaction results in autophagy activation. Found in the perinuclear cytoplasmic viral factories during assembly (PubMed:32788374). Part of the virion inner membrane (PubMed:32788374). Expressed in the late phase of the viral replicative cycle. Contains intramolecular disulfide bonds. Belongs to the asfivirus E199L family.