Gene-environment interactions increase the risk of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis associated with ozone pollution.

Background: We previously reported a relationship between air pollutants and increased risk of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS). Ozone is an air pollutant that may play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathoetiology. is the only non-HLA gene associated with POMS for which expression on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) is changed in response to ozone exposure.