ML281 is primarily used in research settings as a selective inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome. It is employed to study inflammatory pathways and diseases where NLRP3 activation plays a critical role, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes. By inhibiting NLRP3, ML281 helps researchers understand the mechanisms underlying inflammation and evaluate potential therapeutic strategies. It is also utilized in preclinical studies to assess its efficacy in reducing inflammation and its associated tissue damage in various disease models.