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

This is where the problem rests in the adrenal glands and can result from autoimmune diseases, infections, genetic conditions, or bleeding damaging the adrenal glands. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025

Season 2 also spotlighted Latimer's history with hereditary alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. —Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 3 July 2025

Initially, Williams thought the symptoms may be triggered by Sjögren’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 3 July 2025

From 2014 to 2018, Gleason was the vice president of research for the Cure JM Foundation, an organization focused on finding a treatment for the rare autoimmune disease juvenile myositis, reported the Tennessean. —Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 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