This research will investigate the impact of protein drugs that inhibit the Interleukin 6 (IL6) receptor signaling, which plays a key role in cancer and severe COVID-19. The proposal aims to develop a high-throughput low-cost method to identify protein inhibitors that interfere as dominant negatives with IL6 and its receptor components. Protein inhibitors are easily generated, can be improved by mutagenesis or modification, and are highly specific and act rapidly. In addition, the research’s aims to provide cheap and readily generated drugs for treating cancer and alleviating COVID-19 will have a significant impact on economically disadvantaged and indigenous populations that suffer higher rates of severe COVID-19 and mortality.