Neurobiology of Social Touch

Abstract

Social touch is a critical component of our daily lives, shaping our interactions with friends and loved ones. Reduced social touch, especially during early life, can have detrimental effects on health and well-being. A mechanistic understanding of the neural circuits for social touch is still underway, despite its centrality. To achieve a comprehensive understanding of social touch, a cellular and molecular emphasis must be placed on signaling and connectivity among neurons of the skin, spinal cord, and brain. Here, I review research on the molecules, cells, and circuits of the social touch network, highlighting insights from humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents. I conclude by exploring some of the exciting avenues for future research.