Amit Bar-Or, MD, FRCPC, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, outlines the findings of an investigation into the potential pathophysiologic contribution of adipokines in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of MS and greater MS disease activity. To investigate potential biological mechanisms behind this, adiponectin (APN) levels were measured in 169 children with MS or other inflammatory demyelinating syndromes. The results showed that children with MS had higher levels of APN compared to other cohorts and healthy controls, potentially contributing to enhanced pro-inflammatory immune responses. Additionally, APN-containing serum from these patients was shown to cause activation of CD14-positive monocytes, microglia, and T-cells. This interview took place during the ACTRIMS Forum 2021.