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

Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disease that directly affects communication between nerves and voluntary muscles, particularly those that impact the eyes, mouth, throat, and limbs. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024

Ford has also been open about his health struggles over the past few years, including battling eye cancer and the autoimmune disease Myasthenia Gravis. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2024

All tests of the fluid came back clear, without bacteria, viruses, or the cells and antibodies seen in rare autoimmune diseases. —Julia Michie Bruckner, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024

After beating the cancer, however, the musician was diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease called myasthenia gravis that affects the face, eyes and throat. —Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024

Ford has dealt with health issues before, including eye cancer and myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease. —Oliver Gettell, EW.com, 5 Apr. 2024

Moderna's mRNA platform has enabled the development of therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases and autoimmune diseases. —Sacramento Bee, 3 Apr. 2024

An autoimmune rheumatic disease affects and disables a target cell and human tissue. —Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

The 32-year-old former state worker lives with an autoimmune disorder that prevents his body from properly regulating its internal temperature. —Maya Miller, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 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