title: Risk factors in the development of multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a T-cell-mediated demyelinating disease of the CNS with no known cure or cause. However, it is widely believed that MS is caused by an environmental trigger(s) in genetically susceptible individuals. Several lines of evidence suggest that infection with Epstein-Barr virus and cigarette smoking increase the risk of MS, whereas vitamin D plays a protective role. This review discusses the current evidence supporting a link between these factors and MS.
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Nutrition, 655 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA. kgorham@hsph.harvard.edu
authors.forename: Kassandra L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Munger
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ascherio