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

For example, measles can make autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks one’s own body, go into remission. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2025

Serena Omo-Lamai, nominated by the University of Pennsylvania, plans to refine gene editing tools in order to selectively eliminate the harmful cells involved in autoimmune diseases, providing a more precise and safe treatment for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and type-1 diabetes. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

She was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that was attacking her kidneys. —Julio Ojeda-Zapata, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2025

Coya Therapeutics focuses on developing therapies to enhance the function of regulatory T cells, targeting neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2025

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