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

Did you know?

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

Systemic lupus erythematosus, simply referred to as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own healthy tissues, according to the National Institutes of Health. —Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024

There have even been small-scale clinical trials to see if worms can treat autoimmune disease, albeit with mixed results so far. —Alex Knapp, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

The markers for various autoimmune diseases, including MS, trickled in slowly, all negative. —Katie Gutierrez, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024

This may lead to autoimmune diseases or issues in the lungs and/or kidneys.2 How Much Silicon Dioxide Is Safe? The FDA and other governing agencies worldwide have set standards for the amount of silicon dioxide that is safe to include in foods and other products. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 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