PLpro inhibitors are primarily used in the field of antiviral research, particularly targeting viruses that rely on papain-like proteases (PLpro) for their replication. These inhibitors are crucial in combating certain viral infections, such as coronaviruses, by blocking the activity of PLpro, which is essential for viral polyprotein processing and immune evasion. By inhibiting this enzyme, the replication cycle of the virus is disrupted, reducing its ability to spread and cause infection. This makes PLpro inhibitors a promising candidate for the development of antiviral therapies, especially in the context of emerging viral diseases. Research is ongoing to optimize their efficacy and specificity for clinical use.