Used in biochemical research as a glycosylation inhibitor, particularly in studies involving protein processing and cellular signaling pathways. It interferes with N-linked glycan biosynthesis by targeting key enzymes in the endoplasmic reticulum, making it valuable for investigating glycoprotein function and folding. Commonly applied in cell culture experiments to induce endoplasmic reticulum stress and study the unfolded protein response. Also utilized in immunology research to modulate antigen presentation by affecting MHC class I molecule maturation. Its role in blocking specific glycosyltransferases makes it a tool for probing carbohydrate-dependent interactions in cell adhesion and pathogen recognition.