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

On the earnings call, CEO Jason Hollar said the Pharma business benefited from strong unit demand for both generic medications and specialty therapeutics (treatments for cancer, as well as urological, kidney and autoimmune diseases). — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Article continues below this ad The costs of new medications such as biologics for autoimmune disorders and GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and sleep apnea, as well as more expensive treatments for cancer, also have led to increases. — Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Nov. 2026

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic (long-term) autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. — Health Editorial Team, HEALTH, 3 Nov. 2026

The commitment will support medical research, education and care in historically underfunded areas, including pregnancy and postpartum health and autoimmune conditions. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 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