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

Gomez revealed in 2015 that she was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body, causing the body to attack healthy tissue, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. —Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 9 Sep. 2024

Antibodies also have several significant clinical applications, including detecting previous infections, supporting passive immunity, treating autoimmune diseases, and aiding in diagnostic approaches. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 8 Sep. 2024

Summary Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any organ in the body including the skin, lungs, heart, brain and kidneys. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2024

Williams has continued to play through injuries and while struggling with the autoimmune disease Sjögren’s syndrome, competing earlier this year in the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments. —Scarlett Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024

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