Orbitofrontal PV interneurons modulate social interaction via default mode network dynamics

Commun Biol. 2026 Apr 24;9(1):573. doi: 10.1038/s42003-026-10060-y.

Abstract

Social interactions are critical for mental health and are frequently disrupted in neuropsychiatric disorders. Clinical data suggest a link between dysfunction of the default mode network (DMN) and social impairment. To advance our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying social dysfunction, we back-translate these clinical findings into a preclinical setup, demonstrating that impaired DMN connectivity - achieved through activation of Parvalbumin interneurons in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) reduces normal social behaviour.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Default Mode Network* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Interneurons* / metabolism
  • Interneurons* / physiology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Parvalbumins* / metabolism
  • Prefrontal Cortex* / cytology
  • Prefrontal Cortex* / metabolism
  • Prefrontal Cortex* / physiology
  • Social Interaction*

Substances

  • Parvalbumins