Subcortical encoding of agent-relevant associative signals for adaptive social behavior in the macaque

Primates are group-living creatures that constantly face the challenges posed by complex social demands. To date, the cortical mechanisms underlying social information processing have been the major focus of attention. However, emerging evidence suggests that subcortical regions also mediate the collection and processing of information from other agents. Here, we review the literature supporting the hypothesis that behavioral variables important for decision-making, i.e., stimulus, action, and outcome, are associated with agent information (self and other) in subcortical regions, such as the amygdala, striatum, lateral hypothalamus, and dopaminergic midbrain nuclei. Such self-relevant and other-relevant associative signals are then integrated into a social utility signal, presumably at the level of midbrain dopamine neurons. This social utility signal allows decision makers to organize their optimal behavior in accordance with social demands. Determining how self-relevant and otherrelevant signals might be altered in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders will be fundamental to better understand how social behaviors are dysregulated in disease conditions.

Automated summary

Primates are group-living creatures that face challenges of complex social demands. While cortical mechanisms have been a major focus, there is evidence that subcortical regions also play a role in processing information from other agents. Signals related to self and others are integrated into a social utility signal, facilitating optimal decision-making in accordance with social demands.