The impact of C-tactile low-threshold mechanoreceptors on affective touch and social interactions in mice

• DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo7566
• Publication Date: 2022-06-29T17:51:14Z
• Authors: Damien Huzard; Miquel Martin; François Maingret; Jean Chemin; Freddy Jeanneteau; Pierre-François Mery; Pascal Fossat; Emmanuel Bourinet; Amaury François
• Keywords: Prosocial Behavior; Social Behavior; Social animal

Affective touch is necessary for proper neurodevelopment and sociability. However, it remains unclear how the neurons innervating skin detect affective social behaviors. The C low-threshold mechanoreceptors (C-LTMRs), a specific population of somatosensory in mice, appear particularly well suited, physiologically anatomically, to perceive touch. their contribution sociability has not been resolved yet. Our observations revealed that C-LTMR functional deficiency induced isolation reduced tactile interactions adulthood. Conversely, transient increase excitability adults, using chemogenetics, was rewarding, promoted touch-seeking behaviors, had prosocial influences on group dynamics. This work provides first empirical evidence peripheral inputs alone can drive complex It demonstrates existence specialized neuronal circuit, originating skin, wired promote with other individuals.