Yes, prions bend the difinition of "alive." The are very hard to distroy. Alzhimers and Mad Cow show that, like virus, prions can replicate. 1/2 alive, half biological contamination. Where did they come from?
I totally agree except I'd say the argument is "hardened.' I meant that with a bit of whimsy, of course, but as you say, disease response has been a main shaping force. We think of evolution as we are the guys that zigged when the Saber Cat zagged. But, this line we are discussing has some marvelous implications.
Virus as part the consciousness uplift? The actual Missing Link?