autoimmune

adjective

au·​to·​im·​mune ˌȯ-tō-im-ˈyün How to pronounce autoimmune (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by autoantibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them
autoimmune diseases
autoimmunity noun
autoimmunization noun

Did you know?

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 Problems with gene function can lead to conditions such as cancer, diabetes and autoimmune disease. Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2024 Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the patient’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2024 But in 2021, just months after the transplant, DeSean was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, a rare autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and causes inflammation in the nerves of the eye and the spinal cord. Dana Hunsinger Benbow, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Oct. 2024 But a few years ago, the 71-year-old got a degenerative autoimmune disease. David Fischer and Terry Spencer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for autoimmune 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'autoimmune.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

auto- + immune, after autoimmunity, borrowed from French auto-immunité

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autoimmune was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near autoimmune

Cite this Entry

“Autoimmune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autoimmune. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

autoimmune

adjective
au·​to·​im·​mune ˌȯt-ō-im-ˈyün How to pronounce autoimmune (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce autoimmune (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by antibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them
autoimmune diseases

More from Merriam-Webster on autoimmune

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