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

Addison’s disease is most often an autoimmune disease that happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

The Full House star, who died suddenly in 2022, spent a great deal of time supporting the research and education surrounding Scleroderma after his sister died of the autoimmune disease in 1994. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024

As a health care worker who is living with an autoimmune disorder, Moran, the Ohioan living in Sydney, is motivated by the demise of Roe v. Wade. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

In fact, most people with autoimmune disorders rely on immunosuppressive medicines to quiet their immune systems. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 23 Oct. 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