KNK437 is primarily used as a heat shock protein (HSP) inhibitor, specifically suppressing the expression of HSP70 and other heat shock proteins induced by cellular stress. It is widely applied in research settings to study the role of HSPs in cell survival, apoptosis, and protein folding. By inhibiting HSP induction, KNK437 enhances the sensitivity of cancer cells to various stress-inducing treatments, including hyperthermia and chemotherapy, making it a valuable tool in oncology research. It has been investigated for its potential to improve the efficacy of anticancer therapies by preventing tumor cells from activating protective stress responses. Additionally, KNK437 is used to explore neurodegenerative diseases where protein misfolding and aggregation play a key role, helping scientists understand how modulating HSP activity affects disease progression.