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

Rheumatology providers treat autoimmune conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis.2 A Quick Review Nail discoloration, thickening, and separation can occur due to nail psoriasis, an autoimmune condition, or nail fungus from fungi, yeast, or mold. —Brandi Jones, Health, 18 May 2025

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body mistakenly attacks its own cells in the pancreas, called beta-cells, that make insulin. —Daniel Combs, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025

And although the exact cause is unclear, research suggests the condition is linked to other autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis and autoimmune thyroid disease. —Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 13 May 2025

Biologic therapies that are used to manage many autoimmune conditions can help reduce systemic inflammation, which means less damage to the heart. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 8 May 2025

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