Used in glycobiology research to study glycan-protein interactions, particularly those involving mucin-type O-glycosylation. Serves as a model substrate for enzymes like sialyltransferases and galactosidases. Also employed in the development of diagnostic tools and inhibitors targeting lectins and glycosylating enzymes involved in immune response and cancer progression. Its structure mimics natural epitopes, making it valuable in vaccine design and studies of cell adhesion mechanisms.