Counteracts the host antiviral immune response when activated and phosphorylated, by preventing host IRF3 from entering the nucleus. Inhibits also the type I interferon production by inactivating the enzymatic activity of DNA sensor CGAS without affecting STING1. Participates in the transactivation of viral major immediate-early genes by the recruitment of host IFI16 to the promoters pf these genes. Interacts with host NCL/nucleolin. Interacts with host IFI16. Interacts with host CGAS; this interaction inhibits CGAS enzymatic activity. As part of the incoming virion, pp65 is targeted to the nucleus immediately after infection. The newly synthesized pp65 is observed in the nucleus until some time after 48 hours postinfection. Thereafter, pp65 is probably exported and accumulates in the cytoplasm. Also found in dense bodies. Phosphorylation may play a role in the localization of the protein. Belongs to the herpesviridae UL82 family.