DNA-binding transcription factor that plays a role in the modulation of host immune response (PubMed:26537687, PubMed:31059555). Acts by interacting with host EIF2AK2/PKR and inhibiting its activation. In turn, EIF2AK2/PKR substrates including EIF2S1 or histone H2A are not phosphorylated (PubMed:11160738). Inhibits type I interferon signaling by targeting host IRF3 during viral reactivation from latency (PubMed:11160738, PubMed:21697347). Attenuates the transcriptional activity of host FOXO3 via activation of the AKT1 signaling pathway, inhibiting FOXO3-mediated apoptosis (PubMed:26797279). Suppresses also the expression of viral early lytic genes in both newly infected and reactivated infected host cells allowing regulation of viral life cycle by harnessing the interferon pathway. Mechanistically, promotes host PML bodies formation as well as host antiviral restriction factors IFIT1-3 expression leading to inhibition of viral early lytic proteins (PubMed:31059555). Interacts with host EIF2AK2/PKR. Belongs to the IRF family.