autoimmune

adjective

au·​to·​im·​mune ˌȯ-tō-im-ˈyün 

: of, relating to, or caused by autoantibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them

autoimmune diseases

autoimmunity

ˌȯ-tō-im-ˈyü-nə-tē 

noun

autoimmunization

ˌȯ-tō-ˌim-yə-nə-ˈzā-shən 

 also  -im-ˌyü-

noun

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Any healthy body produces a variety of antibodies, proteins in the blood whose job is to protect the body from unwanted bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. The cells and organs that deal with such infections make up the immune system. In some people and animals, for various reasons, the antibodies become overactive and turn on the body's healthy tissues as well; the result is an autoimmune disease—an immune response directed against one's own self. More than eighty autoimmune diseases have been identified, the best-known being type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Examples of autoimmune in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The company is working to isolate the specific molecules that worms use to help modulate the immune system for autoimmune disorders so they can be delivered without the side effects of a parasitic worm infection. —Alex Knapp, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

If an underlying health condition such as cancer or an autoimmune disorder causes your aphonia, your healthcare provider will treat the whole condition and offer other therapies if your aphonia doesn't improve. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 14 Sep. 2024

In addition, celiac disease—an autoimmune disorder that causes bloating, chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas, and other GI symptoms and is triggered by eating gluten—is diagnosed nearly twice as often in women as in men. —Stacey Colino, TIME, 13 Sep. 2024

Enbrel, made by Amgen, is used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

auto- + immune, after autoimmunity, borrowed from French auto-immunité

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

autoimmune

adjective

au·​to·​im·​mune ˌȯt-ō-im-ˈyün 

: relating to or caused by an abnormal condition in which an organism's immune system attacks and destroys parts of its own cells or tissues

multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease

Medical Definition

autoimmune

adjective

au·​to·​im·​mune -im-ˈyün 

: of, relating to, or caused by antibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them

autoimmune diseases