This compound is primarily used in biochemical research as a fluorogenic substrate for caspase-1 and other related caspases. It is instrumental in studying apoptosis and inflammation processes, as caspase-1 plays a critical role in these pathways. Researchers utilize it to measure caspase activity in vitro, enabling the assessment of enzyme kinetics and inhibitor screening. The AFC (7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin) moiety is cleaved upon caspase activation, releasing a fluorescent signal that can be quantified to determine enzymatic activity. This makes it a valuable tool in drug discovery and the study of cellular mechanisms underlying diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.