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 (PubMed:20447274, PubMed:23933781). (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 viral genome-linked protein (VPg); this interaction is possible in susceptible hosts but impaired in resistant plants. According to the redox status, the Cys-128-Cys-166 disulfide bridge may have a role in regulating protein function by affecting its ability to bind capped mRNA. Variant present in the strains cv. USLK1, cv. USCR8, cv. USCR7, cv. Sonesta, cv. Polder, cv. Paloma, cv. Laureat and cv. Baby Bop, allele PveIF4E(4), confers an increased resistance to clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) strain NY (ClYVV-NY) but susceptibility to bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) strain NL 3D (BCMNV-NL 3D). Variant present in the strains cv. GN 1140, cv. Black Knight, cv. Amanda, cv. Imuna, cv. Clipper and cv. CY-10 S4, alleles PveIF4E(3) and cyv, confers an increased resistance to clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) strain NY (ClYVV-NY) but susceptibility to bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) strain NL 3D (BCMNV-NL 3D). Variant present in the strains cv. Jolanda, cv. Imuna and cv. Evolutie, allele desc, confers an increased resistance to clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) strain NY (ClYVV-NY) but susceptibility to bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) strain NL 3D (BCMNV-NL 3D). Variant present in the strains cv. IVT 7214, cv. B/R RIL 105-25, cv. USWK-6 and cv. USWKH x H S4, allele bc-3, confers an increased resistance to clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) strain NY (ClYVV-NY) and to bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) strain NL 3D (BCMNV-NL 3D). Variant present in the strains cv. Raven, allele PveIF4E(2)Raven, allele PveIF4E(2), confers an increased resistance to clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) strain NY (ClYVV-NY) and to bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) strain NL 3D (BCMNV-NL 3D). Displayed sequence is allele PveIF4E(1), sensitive to potyviruses such as clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) and bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV). Belongs to the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E family.