HANGZHOU, China, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A team led by principal investigators Bobo Dang and Ting Zhou at Westlake University/Westlake Laboratory reported in Science a high-throughput platform for engineering fast-acting covalent protein therapeutics. Their work, titled "A high-throughput selection system for fast-acting covalent protein drugs," opens new avenues for next-generation biologics.
Covalent small-molecule drugs have shown great success in cancer therapy by forming irreversible bonds with their targets. This has inspired efforts to extend covalent strategies to protein therapeutics, especially engineered miniproteins. However, their development is limited by a kinetic mismatch: Miniproteins are rapidly cleared in vivo, whereas covalent bond formation is typically slow. In addition, high-throughput platforms for systematically optimizing covalent protein reactivity have been lacking.
To address this challenge, the researchers proposed that precise spatial positioning of chemical warheads within protein scaffolds could enable molecular preorganization, thereby accelerating covalent bond formation without increasing intrinsic reactivity (Fig. 1).
Based on this concept, the team developed a high-throughput platform that combines yeast surface display with chemoselective protein modification to screen diverse crosslinkers and millions of protein variants. By optimizing warhead placement and the local chemical environment, the platform enables rapid and irreversible target engagement.
Using this platform, the researchers developed a covalent antagonist targeting PD-L1, termed IB101. Structural analysis revealed that IB101 forms a defined binding pocket that precisely positions the warhead in a reactive conformation, greatly accelerating covalent bond formation. Functionally, IB101 effectively blocks the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint pathway and demonstrates strong antitumor activity in mouse models. Notably, despite its short in vivo half-life, IB101 achieves durable target engagement and tumor suppression, outperforming conventional antibody-based therapies under comparable conditions.
The platform was further applied to cytokine engineering, leading to the development of a covalent IL-18 variant, IB201. This engineered cytokine rapidly forms a covalent interaction with its receptor, enhancing signaling strength and duration. In vivo studies showed that IB201 induces potent antitumor immune responses without detectable systemic toxicity. These results highlight the potential of covalent engineering to improve the efficacy and safety of cytokine-based therapies.
Beyond immunotherapy targets, the platform was also applied to develop a covalent inhibitor targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. This molecule achieves durable viral neutralization, demonstrating the versatility of the approach across different therapeutic modalities.
This study establishes a general strategy for engineering fast-acting covalent protein therapeutics. By enabling covalent bond formation on timescales compatible with rapid in vivo clearance, the platform overcomes a fundamental limitation in the field.
These findings provide a new framework for designing biologics with both rapid kinetics and sustained target engagement, with broad implications for cancer immunotherapy, antiviral therapy, and beyond.
Media Contact:
Chi Zhang
media@westlake.edu.cn
+86-15659837873
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Fast-Acting Covalent Protein Drugs From a New High-Throughput Platform
HOUSTON, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For Regina Walker, a breast cancer survivor in Houston's South Union community, her 75-year-old legacy home represents three generations of family memories. However, time and financial hardship had taken a severe toll, leaving the property with a leaking roof, water damaged ceilings, and plumbing problems.
When Rebuilding Together Houston (RTH) selected Walker's home for a major revitalization this spring, VEVOR stepped in as a crucial partner to drive the transformation. While professional contractors managed the structural overhaul, VEVOR equipped the volunteer force working on the exterior of the home with the pro-level solutions necessary to bring the home back to life—demonstrating the brand's commitment to community integration and accessible, high-performance tools.
From the Storefront to the Front Yard: VEVOR in Action
To support the critical final phases of the renovation, a VEVOR billboard truck arrived directly from the local Houston flagship store, delivering a fleet of essential equipment.
The right solutions are the backbone of any successful renovation, and VEVOR's presence immediately elevated both the safety and efficiency of the volunteer project. On-site, volunteers donned VEVOR's anti-fog safety glasses and durable work gloves to tackle the heavy lifting. Meanwhile, volunteers relied on heavy-duty telescoping ladders to securely reach high eaves and utilized 1/2-inch high-torque cordless drill drivers to swiftly install new window trims and build a custom backyard picnic table.
For the volunteers, having access to these pro-level products meant they could work with confidence and precision. The project wasn't just about making repairs; it was about using reliable, high-performance gear to restore a home's dignity efficiently.
"At VEVOR, our core mission is to empower creators, and that extends to empowering communities," said Jalal Aburas，Manager of the local Houston VEVOR Store. "Seeing our tools in the hands of dedicated volunteers, actively transforming Regina's family home, brings our brand promise to life. We want the Houston community to know that VEVOR is more than just a retail destination—we are a reliable neighbor committed to helping local families rebuild their futures."
Building Real Trust in the Community
The collaboration highlights a shared vision between VEVOR and RTH: that access to reliable, high-performance solutions can make a tangible difference in people's lives. Beyond simply addressing urgent structural repairs and upgrading a family's daily living conditions, this hands-on effort helps restore neighborhood pride and reinforces community cohesion. By empowering volunteers with the right equipment to revive a legacy property, the initiative proves that practical improvements can spark a renewed sense of hope and security for the entire block.
"Over the last 44 years, Rebuilding Together has served over 15,000 neighbors at no cost to them. We serve seniors, US Military Veterans and working families. Our repairs add 20 years or more to the life of a home. For the cost of building one new home, we can repair up to 12. Professional tools provide more precision, productivity and safety for our volunteers" -Christine Holland, Rebuilding Together Houston.
For Ms.Walker, the impact of this VEVOR-supported project goes far beyond fresh paint. It means her family's sanctuary is safe and welcoming once again.
"This house holds over 70 years of memories, tracing back to my grandparents. It is a continuation of our family's life, and we share a deep, genuine connection with this community and our neighbors," shared Regina Walker, the homeowner. "Seeing the house revitalized like this is deeply emotional for me. I am truly grateful for the help from the Rebuilding Together Houston and the on-site volunteers, and I want to express a special thank you to VEVOR."
Looking Ahead
For the Walker family, this spring marks more than just a renovation—it signifies a fresh chapter in a home that will continue to hold their memories for generations to come. Safe, secure, and revitalized, the house stands as a testament to what a dedicated community can achieve together. As they look forward to enjoying their restored sanctuary, VEVOR remains committed to empowering these essential community efforts, ensuring that reliable, pro-level solutions are always within reach to help more families rebuild and thrive.
About VEVOR
VEVOR is a home improvement brand that empowers Home Creators to upgrade spaces with pro-level products at exceptional value. From backyard makeovers to apartment innovations, we deliver superior performance through practical technological innovation that combines purposeful technology with the hands-on joy of creation.
Today, VEVOR operates in over 50 countries, supported by a network of 200+ global warehouses and a catalog of more than 15,000 SKUs spanning tools, outdoor equipment, and home improvement solutions. VEVOR has supported over 30 million Home Creators worldwide, bringing performance, inspiration, and value to their home improvement projects.
Media Contact
VEVOR Communications Team
media@vevor.com
About Rebuilding Together Houston
Rebuilding Together Houston is the region's expert in home repair and disaster recovery. Low-income homeowners, including veterans, seniors, and working families are living in homes that are hazardous to their health. We estimate that over 100,000 low-income families in Houston and Harris County need our services.
Our work improves the safety and structural integrity of homes that are passed down from generation to generation, keeping families in communities they helped to build. For the cost of building one new house, we can repair it up to 12.
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VEVOR and Rebuilding Together Houston Restore a Legacy Home, One Solution at a Time
VEVOR and Rebuilding Together Houston Restore a Legacy Home, One Solution at a Time
VEVOR and Rebuilding Together Houston Restore a Legacy Home, One Solution at a Time
VEVOR and Rebuilding Together Houston Restore a Legacy Home, One Solution at a Time
