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Ten species of purified human leukocyte interferon were tested for their ability to modulate the cytolytic activity of natural killer (NK) cells and the cytolytic and cytostatic activities of monocytes. The interferon species were tested at several antiviral titers and examined for quantitative differences in their ability to modulate immunological function. At the higher doses of interferon (i.e., greater than 500 units) all of the interferon species demonstrated significant augmentation of cytolysis and cytostasis. However, when low levels (i.e., 10-50 units) of interferon were employed, appreciable differences between the various interferon species were seen. A similar pattern of relative potency among the various species of pure leukocyte interferon was seen for augmentation of cytolysis by monocytes and NK cells. In contrast, a different pattern of relative potency was observed for augmentation of cytostasis. These results demonstrated substantial quantitative differences (as much as 100-fold) in the ability of the various species of human leukocyte interferon to induce significant levels of augmentation of these cell-mediated functions. Such results should have significant impact in choosing a specific interferon species for appropriate clinical trials.

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Mage and RasMol, free visualization software used to view and manipulate three-dimensional images of proteins and nucleic acids, have been incorporated extensively in the undergraduate biochemistry courses at several institutions in the University System of Georgia. Some teaching and learning activities using RasMol and Mage, and new educational resources, including the GLACTONE Web site and a CD-ROM, are described. The results of a survey of students enrolled in undergraduate biochemistry courses at five institutions in the University System of Georgia indicate that an overwhelming majority of students felt strongly that using Mage and RasMol increased their understanding of biochemistry. The survey also indicates that the majority of students used RasMol or Mage outside of the classroom either on campus or at home. The majority of the students surveyed recommend that RasMol or Mage be used in freshman chemistry and high school. We have trained high school teachers and faculty at two-year colleges throughout Georgia to use RasMol and have demonstrated its possible applications in lower-level chemistry and biology courses.

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