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

Held at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles, the fundraiser aims to bring together culinary talent and industry supporters to benefit lupus research, patient services, and advocacy for the autoimmune disease. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026

Traveling with an autoimmune condition like celiac disease can be difficult. —Elliott Harrell, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2026

The test is used to determine whether someone has Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune condition that prompts the body’s immune system to attack the thyroid, the leading cause of hypothyroidism. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026

According to the PwC report, cardiovascular disease, behavioral health, autoimmune conditions, and musculoskeletal conditions will account for the most year-over-year market growth in women’s health by 2030. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 10 Apr. 2026

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