A-317491 is a potent and selective antagonist of the P2X7 receptor, a subtype of ATP-gated ion channels involved in inflammatory responses. It is widely used in research to investigate the role of P2X7 receptors in neuroinflammation, chronic pain, and immune cell activation. Due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, A-317491 is valuable in studies related to central nervous system disorders, including neuropathic pain and neurodegenerative diseases. It has demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain behaviors in animal models, making it a tool compound for exploring non-opioid analgesic pathways. Its selectivity helps minimize off-target effects, allowing for more precise pharmacological profiling of P2X7-mediated signaling in both peripheral and central tissues.