4-Octyl itaconate is widely used in biomedical research for its anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties. It acts as an electrophilic modifier that activates the Nrf2 pathway, a key regulator of cellular defense against oxidative stress. This makes it valuable in studies related to inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, sepsis, and lung injury. It is also employed to modulate immune responses by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppressing NF-κB signaling. Due to its cell-permeable nature, 4-octyl itaconate is used in cell culture experiments to mimic the effects of endogenous itaconate, a metabolite produced by activated macrophages. In addition, it has shown potential in antiviral research, where it interferes with viral replication through modulation of host cell redox status. Its ability to fine-tune metabolic and inflammatory pathways makes it a tool compound in immunometabolism and a candidate for therapeutic development in chronic inflammatory conditions.