Plays an essential role in virion assembly and morphogenesis (PubMed:20392848). Also plays a role in the inhibition of host immune response by dysregulating mTOR. Sequesters host RICTOR and RPTOR, thereby disrupting mTORC1 and mTORC2 crosstalk. In turn, blocks the host antiviral response in part through mTOR-dependent degradation of cGAS, the primary poxvirus sensor (PubMed:30078703). Self-associates to form high molecular-weight forms (PubMed:20392848). Interacts with protein A30 (PubMed:20392848). Interacts with host RICTOR and RPTOR; these interactions disrupt the mTORC1 and mTORC2 crosstalk (PubMed:30078703). Major component of the virion comprising about 10% of the virion mass. Phosphorylated on two serines. While these phosphorylations do not play a role in virion assembly; they are essential for the interaction with host RICTOR and RPTOR. Originally annotated as the product of the F18R open reading frame (protein F18), it is now referred as protein F17 since there are only 17 open reading frames in the HindIII fragment. Belongs to the poxviridae F17 protein family.