Triacetylganciclovir is primarily used in the field of antiviral research and therapy, particularly for the treatment of herpesvirus infections. It is a prodrug of ganciclovir, which means it is converted into the active form of ganciclovir once inside the body. This conversion enhances its bioavailability, making it more effective in targeting viral infections.

One of its key applications is in the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, which are common in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients. It is also utilized in gene therapy research, where it serves as a selective agent in the "suicide gene" strategy. In this approach, cells expressing the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene convert triacetylganciclovir into a toxic compound, leading to the targeted destruction of those cells. This method is particularly useful in cancer therapy to eliminate malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue.

Additionally, triacetylganciclovir is employed in laboratory studies to investigate viral replication mechanisms and to develop new antiviral drugs. Its role as a prodrug makes it a valuable tool in improving the efficacy and delivery of antiviral treatments.