Neural Circuit with Top-Down Inhibitory Feedback Outperforms Optimal Bayesian Integration in Multisensory Integration.

Journal: Neuroscience bulletin
Published Date: Nov 9, 2025

Abstract

Bayesian integration is posited as a fundamental computational mechanism underlying multisensory integration, and feedforward neural networks have been proposed to instantiate optimal Bayesian integration (OBI). However, empirical and theoretical research highlights the prevalence of neural feedback projections, raising questions about how recurrent neural networks might contribute to multisensory OBI. We simulated a two-layer neural circuit computational model with reciprocal projections performing a perceptual discrimination task, in which sensory inputs comprise single or dual modalities. The model with reciprocal projections between sensory and decision-making modules can match, underperform, or outperform OBI, depending on feedforward-feedback interplay. This model performance variability accords with prior experimental data. In addition, our theoretical analysis reveals the importance of non-linear interactions within neuronal assemblies in mediating such multisensory integration behaviors. Our work suggests that sensory modalities can be entangled through top-down feedback, challenging the traditional view of their independence, while explaining deviations from OBI.

Authors

  • Yelin Dong
    School of Systems Science and State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
  • Hongzhi You
    School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China.
  • Yuxiu Shao
    Center for Bioinformatics, National Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Plant Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
  • Yong Gu
    Department of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
  • KongFatt Wong-Lin
    Intelligent Systems Research Centre, School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, Ulster University, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, BT48 7JL, UK.
  • Da-Hui Wang
    School of Systems Science and State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China. [email protected].

Keywords

No keywords available for this article.

External Resources

Popular Topics
Recent Journals