Plays a role in the protection against apoptosis mediated by cytotoxic cells during the immune response to acute and persistent viral infection. Contributes therefore to latency establishment. Plays also a role in the inhibition of host starvation-induced autophagy which ultimately contributes to the viral chronic infection. Interacts with host BECN1; this interaction inhibits host autophagy. Interacts with host BAK1 and BAX.