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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Further, detailed examination of the participants' immune responses showed not only systemic response, but responses in distant mucus membranes. Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2025 The deficiency can lead to weaker immune responses, as well as other health issues such as blindness and delayed growth. Alice Park, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025 That threshold is high enough to protect infants too young for the vaccine, people who can't take the vaccine for medical reasons, and anyone who doesn't mount a strong, lasting immune response to it. Amy Maxmen, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2025 As a result, people may be more exposed to the virus and may not mount a strong enough immune response. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for immune response

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of immune response was in 1923

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Cite this Entry

“Immune response.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immune%20response. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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