Ingenol-3,4,5,20-diacetonide is a protected derivative of the natural product ingenol, primarily used as a synthetic intermediate in organic chemistry and medical research. It serves as a key building block for preparing bioactive ingenol esters, such as ingenol mebutate, which are investigated for topical treatment of precancerous skin conditions like actinic keratosis. The mechanism of these derivatives involves inducing rapid cell death (apoptosis and necrosis) in abnormal cells, followed by an inflammatory response that aids in lesion clearance. Additionally, ingenol-based compounds are studied for their protein kinase C (PKC) activation, leading to anti-cancer effects by targeting tumor growth pathways, and potential applications in immune modulation for cancer immunotherapy and autoimmune disorders.