Species-specific limits to lifespan (lifespan setpoint) determine the life expectancy of any
given organism. Whether limiting lifespan provides an evolutionary benefit or is the result of …

Here we show that pathogen-mediated selection can influence the evolution of host
longevity. Greater longevity can impair the fitness of host organisms subject to pathogen …

The pathogen control evolutionary hypothesis (PCH) of aging was critically analyzed by
Criscuolo et al.[1]. According to PCH, a shorter lifespan might have evolved to eliminate …

Reproduction, mortality, and immune function often change with age but do not invariably
deteriorate. Across the tree of life, there is extensive variation in age-specific performance …

Host life history and demography play important roles in host–pathogen dynamics, by
influencing the ability of hosts and their pathogens to coexist. We introduce the concept of …

Lidsky and Andino claim the pathogen control hypothesis (PCH) has more explanatory
power than current theories on the evolution of ageing [1]. The PCH, based on kin selection …

We seek to understand the conditions favoring the evolution of acute, highly transmissible
infections. Most work on the life-history evolution of pathogens has focused on the …

The absence of microbial exposure early in life leaves individuals vulnerable to immune
overreaction later in life, manifesting as immunopathology, autoimmunity, or allergies. A key …

Aging is often attributed to the detrimental side effects of beneficial traits but not a
programmed adaptive process. Alternatively, the pathogen control hypothesis posits that …

The theory of life-history evolution provides a powerful framework to understand the
evolutionary dynamics of pathogens. It assumes, however, that host populations are large …