Zymosan is widely used in research and medical applications due to its ability to stimulate immune responses. It is commonly employed as a tool to study inflammation and immune system activation, particularly in experimental models. By interacting with specific receptors on immune cells, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and dectin-1, it triggers the release of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. This makes it valuable for understanding the mechanisms of immune defense and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, zymosan is used in laboratory settings to induce conditions like sepsis or arthritis in animal models, helping researchers develop and test potential treatments. Its role in activating macrophages and neutrophils also makes it useful in studies focused on phagocytosis and innate immunity.