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

In 2011, Williams was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can cause joint and muscle pain, as well as fatigue. —Leon Imber, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Insulin resistance has nothing to do with Type 1 diabetes, the kind caused by a dysfunctional pancreas gland that likely has been destroyed early in life by an autoimmune disease. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 10 July 2025

It should be avoided in those with liver problems, autoimmune disease, and thyroid disorders.11 Ashwagandha may interact with the following medications:11 Korean red ginseng or Panax ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese Medicine as an adaptogen and a calming agent. —Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, life-long autoimmune condition that prevents the pancreas from making insulin to regulate blood sugar. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 8 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