Plays a role in the activation of the host PI3K/AKT pathway to promote cell survival. Interacts with and activates host LCK and thereby recruits downstream partners SHC1, GRB2 and PI3KR1 in order to activate the PI3K pathway by phosphorylating host AKT on its activating residues. This mechanism is inhibited by the viral protein US3 that instead promotes incorporation of UL46 into virions. Interacts with VP16. Interacts with host LCK, PIK3R1, SHC1 AND GRB2; these interactions promote the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Interacts with host YWHAB. Interacts with ICP0; this interaction targets UL46 for degradation by the proteasome. Phosphorylated by host LCK. The phosphorylation seems to be lymphocyte-specific. Belongs to the herpesviridae HHV-1 VP11/12 protein family.