immune response

noun

: a bodily response to an antigen that occurs when lymphocytes identify the antigenic molecule as foreign and induce the formation of antibodies and lymphocytes capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless

called also immune reaction

Examples of immune response in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Agarwood is the tree’s immune response to the infection, like how our skin forms a scab when we get cut. —Sable Yong, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025

An allergic reaction to milk is an immune response to casein and whey proteins in milk, that can occur within minutes of consuming milk or milk products, or after several days. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Chronic inflammation occurs when your body’s immune response is continuously activated, even without an injury or infection. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Jan. 2025

That's because the immune response to the new dose will be strongest if your antibodies are waning. —Fran Kritz, NPR, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

immune response

noun

: a bodily response to a foreign substance, cell, or tissue that involves the formation of antibodies and cells capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless

called also immune reaction

Medical Definition

immune response

noun

: a bodily response to an antigen that occurs when lymphocytes identify the antigenic molecule as foreign and induce the formation of antibodies and lymphocytes capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless

called also immune reaction