Skepinone-L is a highly selective inhibitor of p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), a key enzyme involved in inflammatory signaling pathways. It is primarily used in research settings to study the role of p38α in cellular processes such as cytokine production, cell differentiation, and stress responses. Due to its selectivity, Skepinone-L helps scientists dissect the specific contributions of p38α without significant off-target effects on other kinases. This makes it a valuable tool in investigating inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and certain neurodegenerative conditions. It is also employed in drug development to validate p38α as a therapeutic target and to assess the efficacy and safety of new anti-inflammatory compounds.