Characterization of SP600126 for pharmacological inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice

Introduction: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease, affecting over 250 mio. people worldwide. Paired adult S. mansoni living in the mesenteric vein system produce about 300 eggs daily, eventually causing granulomatous liver-fibrosis. S. mansoni-infection permanently induces c-Jun, responsible for hepatocellular regeneration, proliferation and apoptosis. c-Jun is activated via phosphorylation by its specific kinase JNK. Prior to animal experiments, the inhibitory effect of the JNK-inhibitor SP600125 on S. mansoni SmJNK had to be characterized and compared to human hJNK.