A recent study in Nature Microbiology sheds light on how certain host mRNAs escape viral-induced shut down of protein synthesis.Vaccinia virus inhibits host protein production but allows selective translation, such as JUN mRNA, through unique mechanisms.Viral mRNAs require specific initiation factors like RACK1 and eIF3, while host mRNA like JUN show less dependency on these factors for translation.Structural variances in the 5′ UTRs of viral and host mRNAs play a pivotal role in their differential translation during infection.Cryo-EM studies reveal ribosomal remodeling during infection, indicating a specialized translation initiation mechanism for viral mRNAs.Vaccinia virus efficiently regulates translation over infection stages, repurposing host machinery for viral protein synthesis.The study highlights potential therapeutic targets like RACK1 and eIF3 for inhibiting viral translation selectively.Understanding translational control in viral infections has broader implications for antiviral drug development and host defense strategies.The research underscores the adaptability and complexity of translational control under viral influence, shaping future investigations in the field.Integrative approaches combining RNAseq, polysome profiling, and cryo-EM offer comprehensive insights into translation regulation during viral infection.