Tegument protein that plays different roles during the time course of infection (By similarity). Participates in both the accumulation of viral mRNAs and viral protein translation at late time of infection (By similarity). Modulates the RNase activity of the virion host shutoff protein ORF17 probably to ensure necessary levels of key cellular mRNAs and proteins (By similarity). Plays a role in microtubule reorganization that occurs after viral infection by stabilizing microtubule network (By similarity). 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. Acts by mediating disruption of liquid-like droplets in which CGAS is activated, thereby preventing CGAS activity (By similarity). Interacts with gE (via C-terminus); this interaction is necessary for the recruitment of VP22/ORF9 to the Golgi and its packaging into virions (By similarity). Interacts with gM (via C-terminus) (By similarity). Interacts with VP16/ORF10; this interaction allows the formation of a tripartite complex composed of VP16/ORF10, VP22/ORF9 and VHS/ORF17 (By similarity). Interacts with the capsid-binding protein ORF44 (By similarity). Interacts with host CGAS (By similarity). 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.