Component of the protein complex eIF4F, which is involved in the recognition of the mRNA cap, ATP-dependent unwinding of 5'-terminal secondary structure and recruitment of mRNA to the ribosome (By similarity). Recognizes and binds the 7-methylguanosine-containing mRNA cap during an early step in the initiation of protein synthesis and facilitates ribosome binding by inducing the unwinding of the mRNAs secondary structures (By similarity). Key component of recessive resistance to potyviruses (e.g. soybean mosaic virus (SMV), bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), but not bean pod mottle virus (BPMV)) (PubMed:31860775). (Microbial infection) Susceptibility host factor required for viral infection by recruiting viral RNAs to the host ribosomal complex via an interaction with viral genome-linked protein (VPg). EIF4F is a multi-subunit complex, the composition of which varies with external and internal environmental conditions. It is composed of at least EIF4A, EIF4E and EIF4G. EIF4E is also known to interact with other partners. In higher plants two isoforms of EIF4F have been identified, named isoform EIF4F and isoform EIF(iso)4F. Isoform EIF4F has subunits p220 and p26, whereas isoform EIF(iso)4F has subunits p82 and p28. (Microbial infection) Interacts with potyvirus viral genome-linked protein (VPg) in the nucleus; this interaction is possible in susceptible hosts but is impaired in resistant plants (PubMed:31860775). Binds to soybean mosaic virus (SMV) VPg in the nucleus (PubMed:31860775). Interacts with SMV nuclear inclusion protein A (NIa-Pro) and nuclear inclusion protein B (NIb) in the cytoplasm (PubMed:31860775). (Microbial infection) Binds to potyvirus viral genome-linked protein (VPg) in the nucleus and with potyvirus nuclear inclusion protein A (NIa-Pro) and nuclear inclusion protein B (NIb) in the cytoplasm. Mostly expressed in roots, flowers, immature pods and mature seeds, and, to a lower extent, in stems and leaves. (Microbial infection) Induced upon infection by soybean mosaic virus (SMV) in susceptible plants (e.g. cv. Tianlong 1) but not in resistant plants (e.g. cv. Kefeng 1). According to the redox status, the Cys-135-Cys-173 disulfide bridge may have a role in regulating protein function by affecting its ability to bind capped mRNA. (Microbial infection) Increased resistance to potyvirus such as soybean mosaic virus (SMV), bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), but susceptible to bean pod mottle virus (BPMV). Belongs to the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E family.