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

Plasma is used for cancer patients, trauma and burn victims and to help people with autoimmune diseases. —Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Dec. 2025

According to the Mayo Clinic, multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes a breakdown of the protective covering of nerves, causing numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025

Meanwhile, Amgen will expand its existing direct-to-patient program to include preventative migraine medication Aimovig and autoimmune treatment Amjevita, at 60% and 80% discounted monthly prices, respectively. —Annika Kim Constantino,elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025

The price cuts negotiated by Medicare will affect ten medications used to treat cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes. —Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Dec. 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