Tegument protein that plays different roles during the time course of infection (PubMed:22993164, PubMed:24131716, PubMed:9658087, PubMed:11967313). Participates in both the accumulation of viral mRNAs and viral protein translation at late time of infection (PubMed:22993164, PubMed:24131716, PubMed:9658087, PubMed:11967313). Modulates the RNase activity of the virion host shutoff protein UL41 probably to ensure necessary levels of key cellular mRNAs and proteins (PubMed:22951838). Plays a role in microtubule reorganization that occurs after viral infection by stabilizing microtubule network (PubMed:9658087, PubMed:11967313). Finally, may prevent nucleosomal deposition onto the viral genome by interacting with and inhibiting host SET (PubMed:12917472). Plays a role in the inhibition of host innate immune system by targeting the CGAS enzymatic activity which is the principal cytosolic DNA sensor that detects invading viral DNA (PubMed:29793952, PubMed:34015248). Acts by mediating disruption of liquid-like droplets in which CGAS is activated, thereby preventing CGAS activity (PubMed:34015248). Interacts with gE (via C-terminus); this interaction is necessary for the recruitment of VP22 to the Golgi and its packaging into virions (PubMed:17035313, PubMed:16997344, PubMed:19279114, PubMed:22993164). Interacts with gM (via C-terminus) (PubMed:22993164). Interacts with VP16; this interaction allows the formation of a tripartite complex composed of VP16, VP22 and UL41/VHS (PubMed:19279114). According to a report interacts with gD (via C-terminus) (PubMed:17035313). According another publication, does not interact with gD (PubMed:19279114). Interacts with host CGAS (PubMed:29793952, PubMed:34015248). Interacts with host SET; this interaction may interfere with SET-mediated nucleosomal deposition onto the viral genome (PubMed:12917472). Interacts with the capsid-binding protein UL16 (PubMed:24131716). One of the most abundant tegument protein (about 2000 copies per virion). Localizes in the cytoplasm at 8 hours postinfection and in the nucleus at 16 hours postinfection. During virion morphogenesis, this protein probably accumulates at the trans-Golgi where secondary envelopment occurs. Highly phosphorylated in the host cell. Packaging is selective for underphosphorylated forms. Belongs to the alphaherpesvirinae VP22 tegument protein family.