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. 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. According to the redox status, the Cys-103-Cys-142 disulfide bridge may have a role in regulating protein function by affecting its ability to bind capped mRNA. Belongs to the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E family.