Cell-type Specific Learning of Attentional Gating in Primate Striatum

Cognitive flexibility depends on a fast neural learning mechanism for enhancing momentary relevant over irrelevant information. A possible neural mechanism realizing this enhancement uses fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs) in the striatum to train striatal projection neurons to gate relevant and suppress distracting cortical inputs. We found support for such a mechanism in nonhuman primates during the flexible adjustment of visual attention. FSIs gated visual attention cues during feature-based learning. One FSI population showed stronger inhibition during learning, while another FSI subpopulation showed weaker inhibition after learning signifying post-learning disinhibition. Additionally, a smaller neural subpopulation increased activity when salient distractor events were successfully suppressed. These findings highlight that fast behavioral learning of feature relevance is accompanied by fast neural learning of cell-type specific cortico-striatal gating.