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

His great grandmother who survived the Armenian Genocide gave birth to his grandmother while fighting a host of autoimmune diseases that got passed on. —Martine Paris, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

The 69-year-old shared with PEOPLE that the years leading up to his retirement had been difficult due to a diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness. —Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025

Researchers are also gaining insight into what causes multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves and can result in paralysis. —Deborah Fuller, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025

Smith had a long bout with an autoimmune disease and died in Walnut Creek, Calif. Smith was born Sept. 4, 1958, as Lisa Jane Smith, in Florida and grew up in California. —Abigail Lee, Variety, 27 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