Plays a role in virus cell tropism, and may be required for efficient virus replication in macrophages (PubMed:11238833). In addition, inhibits IFN-beta-induced IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) transcription. Mechanistically, degrades host STAT1 and STAT2 through apoptosis and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways respectively (PubMed:35076286). Interacts with host STAT1; this interaction mediates STAT1 degradation through apoptosis (PubMed:35076286). Interacts with host STAT2; this interaction mediates STAT2 degradation through the proteasome (PubMed:35076286). Expressed in the early phase of the viral replicative cycle. Deletion causes mild pathological injury in pigs compared with WT. Belongs to the asfivirus MGF 360 family. A error in sequencing might explain the fact that the this protein is shorter than any other ASFV MGF360-9L proteins.