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

Most vaccines contain inactive forms of the organisms they are meant to fight, but live vaccines carry small amounts of active pathogens designed to trigger a natural immune response. —Rachael Zimlich, Bsn, Rn, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2025

Some evidence suggests that a light fever may even fortify an immune response; so in principle, slightly elevated temperatures should be left alone unless your child is uncomfortable, in which case, maybe ibuprofen? —Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025

Antigen-presenting cells, or APCs, literally do what their name suggests: present antigens (foreign substances that trigger an immune response) to T cells, activating them. —New Atlas, 21 Dec. 2024

Three pig genes known to spark an immune response, as well as a porcine growth hormone receptor, were removed. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 17 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