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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
Anything abnormal in your lymph—whether that’s bacteria, a virus, or something else—is subject to that screening process and immune response, which is why a variety of illnesses can cause swollen lymph nodes.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 30 Oct. 2024
Some scientists think drug habits are the byproduct of an overactive immune response instead of chemical imbalance.
—Melvin Backman, Quartz, 9 Oct. 2024
Older people are among the most at risk from flu, but current vaccines are less effective in higher age groups, as their immune response tends to be weaker.
—Chris Baraniuk, WIRED, 3 Oct. 2024
Autoimmune disease and eczema both involve abnormal and heightened immune responses that can lead to inflammation and other symptoms.8 However, most scientists would not classify eczema as an autoimmune disease.
—Susan Bard, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1923, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near immune response
Cite this Entry
“Immune response.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immune%20response. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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
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