CL097 is a synthetic small molecule agonist of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and TLR8, primarily used in immunological research to activate innate immune responses. It is widely applied in studies involving dendritic cell activation, cytokine production, and antiviral immunity due to its ability to mimic single-stranded RNA pathogens. Its strong adjuvant properties make it valuable in vaccine development, particularly in preclinical models where enhanced immune stimulation is required. Researchers also use CL097 to investigate signaling pathways linked to TLR7/8 in autoimmune diseases and cancer immunotherapy. Due to its potency, it is often employed at low concentrations in cell culture experiments to trigger interferon-alpha and other pro-inflammatory cytokines.