AUTHOR=Zerlaut Yann , Tzilivaki Alexandra TITLE=Interneuronal modulations as a functional switch for cortical computations: mechanisms and implication for disease JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience VOLUME=Volume 18 - 2024 YEAR=2025 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncel.2024.1479579 DOI=10.3389/fncel.2024.1479579 ISSN=1662-5102 ABSTRACT=Understanding cortical inhibition and its diverse roles remains a key challenge in neurophysiological research. Traditionally, inhibition has been recognized for controlling the stability and rhythmicity of network dynamics, or refining the spatiotemporal properties of cortical representations. In this perspective, we propose that specific types of interneurons may play a complementary role, by modulating the computational properties of neural networks. We review experimental and theoretical evidence, mainly from rodent sensory cortices, that supports this view. Additionally, we explore how dysfunctions in these interneurons may disrupt the network’s ability to switch between computational modes, impacting the flexibility of cortical processing and potentially contributing to various neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.