Structural protein that participates in nucleocapsid assembly. Plays an essential role in the proper localization of the major capsid protein VP39, and the minor capsid protein 38K into the capsid assembly site. Interacts with C42 and VP80. Interacts with protein 38K. Present in both the budded virus (BV) and the occluded virus (OV). The occluded form allows the virus to be transmitted from insect to insect through ingestion of contaminated food while the budded form is responsible for the dissemination of infection throughout the insect host.