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The viruses didn't have to evolve specifically to fight, it could have been a side effect. For example, maybe cancer cells make better viral hosts because of th
by tdaltonc 12y ago
The viruses didn't have to evolve specifically to fight, it could have been a side effect. For example, maybe cancer cells make better viral hosts because of their unchecked metabolism. So the virus evolves to exploit cancer cells first, killing them in the process. Here the virus "cures" cancer by accident, with no interest in the fact that it extends the life of their host.
I'm not saying this is likely, I'm just pointing out that your restatement of the question is a lot more narrow than the original question.
- has2k1 12y agoThat was by intention. Head on, the original question is less penetrable. The restatement is meant to emphasize that a symbiotic relationship between the host and the virus could drive the evolution. Cancer -- bad for host, virus takes care of cancer for selfish reason, host lives long giving virus opportunity to spread. Along this line, your example gives a possible immediate attraction for the virus. It is the immediate attractions that start off the relationships, to disastrous, neutral or beneficial long term ends. It is even possible that different viruses could be fighting each other to get a piece of our cancer. Interesting stuff!
- lifeisstillgood 12y agoAsk a dumb question, get a great thread out of it. Thanks