Publication Date

Spring 5-13-2026

School

School of Health Sciences

Major

Biology: Molecular Biology

Keywords

BPA, B Cell, Autoimmunity, Microplastic, Environmental Toxicology

Disciplines

Biotechnology | Immunopathology | Other Cell and Developmental Biology | Toxicology

Abstract

Autoimmune disorders disproportionately affect females, a bias largely attributed to estrogen's modulation of B lymphocyte development and tolerance. Bisphenol A (BPA), a common plastic monomer, shows estrogenic activity and acts as an endocrine disruptor and epigenetic modifier. This thesis examines how BPA may increase autoimmune risk by mimicking estrogen such that it can excite estrogen receptors which rescue autoreactive B lymphocytes from apoptosis. While direct research linking BPA to B lymphocyte-mediated autoimmunity is limited, understanding BPA’s course of action in B lymphocytes is critical for addressing the rising prevalence of autoimmune diseases and its possible link to the increased and sustained use of BPA leaching products.

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