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 such as peanut stripe virus (PStV) (PubMed:28344571). (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 (By similarity). It is composed of at least EIF4A, EIF4E and EIF4G (By similarity). EIF4E is also known to interact with other partners (By similarity). In higher plants two isoforms of EIF4F have been identified, named isoform EIF4F and isoform EIF(iso)4F (By similarity). Isoform EIF4F has subunits p220 and p26, whereas isoform EIF(iso)4F has subunits p82 and p28 (By similarity). (Microbial infection) Interacts with potyvirus peanut stripe virus (PStV) helper component proteinase (HC-Pro) in the cytoplasm and with PStV viral genome-linked protein (VPg) in the nucleus; these interactions are possible in susceptible hosts but impaired in resistant plants. Expressed ubiquitously with highest levels in young leaves and roots, and lowest levels in flowers. According to the redox status, the Cys-129-Cys-167 disulfide bridge may have a role in regulating protein function by affecting its ability to bind capped mRNA. (Microbial infection) No significant resistance against peanut stripe virus (PStV) (PubMed:28344571). Plants lacking both eIF4E and eIF(iso)4E exhibit an increased resistance against PStV (PubMed:28344571). Belongs to the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E family.