THERE are more viruses on Earth than all animal, plant and bacterial life combined. These infectious agents are as ancient as life itself and they are constantly evolving.

This means that scientists looking to protect us from viral infection have a real challenge on their hands: how do you take on an enemy that is deeply diverse and forever changing?

Oxfordshire is a centre for viral research: its scientists and world-leading facilities have supported the creation of a range of antivirals and treatments, including a potential candidate for a new Ebola vaccine.

This sort of pioneering research is helping us to better prevent, treat and anticipate viral infection so that, when we’re confronted with even the nastiest of viruses, we can fight back.

Hundreds of thousands of lives have been saved thanks to vaccinations, and Oxfordshire is at the forefront of efforts to create the next-generation of improved vaccines.

Current vaccines work extremely well, but those that use a weakened form of the virus to induce immunity can cause issues for people with compromised immune systems – for instance, cancer patients or people with HIV. These vaccines are also difficult to transport and store because they need to be kept cool to remain usable.

But scientists have now identified a means of creating a new type of vaccine which works by precisely mimicking the atomic structure of the virus in question. The vaccine still induces an immune response, but it’s just a lookalike: it contains no viral material.

This makes it much more stable, meaning it’s easier and cheaper to use. It also presents absolutely no risk of infection, even for the immunocompromised.

Whilst the vaccine is currently in clinical trials for use against foot-and-mouth disease, it may also be transferable to other similar viruses like polio.

For those of us unlucky enough to actually catch a virus, there’s still hope. Scientists are studying microscopic components called polymerases that help these agents to reproduce their genetic material.

This research may help to design drugs that step in and halt the process, interfering with the virus spreading. The work is focussed on a number of viruses, including rabies, Ebola and influenza C and, if successful, it could lead to a new generation of targeted drugs that stop viruses in their tracks.

As well as prevention and treatment, an important factor in the fight against viruses is anticipating their next move. The recent spread of the Zika virus through the Americas highlights just how devastating outbreaks can be. The disease, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, has been linked with serious birth defects when contracted by pregnant women.

Scientists worldwide are currently hunting for vaccines or treatments against Zika virus, but it will take time to develop effective ways to combat the disease.

Viruses can emerge rapidly and without warning: that’s why it’s so vital for scientists to have a thorough understanding of these pathogens, so that we can quickly identify any vulnerability.

Research in Oxfordshire is looking into the relationships between different viruses, charting their evolution and shared characteristics. This vital work could potentially help scientists to develop vaccines and medications that work across multiple diseases. It may also help us to more quickly understand new viruses as they emerge, leading to a quicker response.

Viruses are a formidable enemy. There are many more of them on Earth than there are stars in the observable universe, and you could fit billions on a pinhead.

Protecting ourselves from viral infection isn’t easy, but scientists are working on remarkable ways of controlling outbreaks and infection. Their ingenuity proves that, when it comes to viruses, we may be outnumbered but we’re definitely not outsmarted.