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 filing also discusses Cartesian's strategic focus on advancing its mRNA cell therapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including its lead product candidate, Descartes-08, for myasthenia gravis. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024

Too much iron in your body (hemochromatosis) can lead to certain autoimmune conditions and chronic liver disease, affecting how your body stores iron.5 Procedure To collect a blood sample for the ferritin test, a healthcare provider inserts a needle into a vein in your arm. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

Still, these extraordinary results have set off a gold rush among biotech companies eager to solve autoimmune diseases. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2024

Kennedy has recently focused on chronic disease issues like obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, autoimmune conditions, cancer, and addiction. —Andi Shae Napier, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 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