Stephen Crohn

Stephen Crohn

Name	Stephen Crohn
Birth name
Birth date	September 5, 1946
Birth place	New York City, New York, USA
Death date	August 23, 2013
Death place	New York City, New York, USA
Alma mater
Occupation	Artist
Years active
Organization
Known for	HIV resistance
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Stephen Crohn (September 5, 1946 – August 23, 2013) was an American artist who became notable for his unique genetic resistance to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). His case provided significant insights into the mechanisms of HIV infection and contributed to the development of new therapeutic approaches.

Early Life and Education

Stephen Crohn was born in New York City. He pursued a career in the arts, working as a painter and a writer. Crohn's life took a pivotal turn when he became involved in the study of HIV/AIDS due to his personal experiences during the early years of the epidemic.

Discovery of HIV Resistance

In the early 1980s, as the AIDS epidemic began to unfold, Crohn witnessed many of his friends and his partner succumb to the disease. Despite repeated exposure to the virus, Crohn remained uninfected. This anomaly caught the attention of researchers, leading to the discovery that Crohn possessed a rare genetic mutation.

The CCR5-Δ32 Mutation

Crohn was found to have a mutation known as CCR5-Δ32, which affects the CCR5 receptor on the surface of white blood cells. The CCR5 receptor is one of the main entry points for HIV to infect cells. Individuals with the CCR5-Δ32 mutation lack functional CCR5 receptors, rendering them resistant to most strains of HIV.

Impact on HIV Research

The study of Crohn's genetic resistance provided crucial insights into the role of the CCR5 receptor in HIV infection. This led to the development of CCR5 inhibitors, a class of antiretroviral drugs that block the receptor and prevent the virus from entering cells. Crohn's case also inspired research into gene therapy approaches aimed at mimicking the effects of the CCR5-Δ32 mutation.

Personal Life and Legacy

Stephen Crohn continued to live in New York City, where he pursued his artistic endeavors. Despite his resistance to HIV, Crohn was deeply affected by the loss of his partner and friends to the disease. He became an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and research.

Crohn's unique genetic makeup and his willingness to participate in scientific studies have left a lasting impact on the field of HIV research. His story highlights the importance of genetic diversity in understanding and combating infectious diseases.

Death

Stephen Crohn passed away on August 23, 2013, in New York City. His contributions to science and his personal story continue to inspire researchers and the public alike.

Also see

• HIV/AIDS
• CCR5 receptor
• Antiretroviral drugs
• Gene therapy
• AIDS epidemic