Used primarily in medical research, it serves as an inhibitor of the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). This enzyme plays a role in immune suppression, and by inhibiting it, the compound can potentially enhance the immune response against tumors. It is studied for its application in cancer immunotherapy, where it may help in breaking down the immune tolerance that tumors exploit to evade detection. Additionally, it is explored for its effects on neurological conditions, given its structural similarity to tryptophan, a precursor for serotonin.