Strong evidence supports the importance of genetic factors in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), but environmental factors also have a major role. Ascherio et al. review the evidence for such factors, with a focus on three main aspects: infection with Epstein–Barr virus, vitamin D nutrition, and cigarette smoking. They discuss how these processes might influence the initiation of MS, the potential for therapeutic approaches that target these risk factors, and how lifestyle modification could aid in MS prevention.
- Alberto Ascherio
- Kassandra L. Munger
- Jan D. Lünemann
