ABT-491 is primarily used in the field of medical research, particularly in studies related to inflammation and immune response. It functions as a selective inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase, an enzyme involved in signaling pathways that regulate cytokine production and inflammatory processes. By inhibiting this enzyme, ABT-491 helps researchers understand the role of p38 MAP kinase in various diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and other inflammatory conditions. Its application extends to preclinical studies, where it is used to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of targeting this pathway in the development of anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, ABT-491 serves as a valuable tool in cellular and molecular biology research to investigate stress responses and cell signaling mechanisms.