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 an era of diffuse, evasive conditions — autoimmune syndromes, long Lyme, long Covid — gout is unmistakable. —Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026

The drug could treat a rare autoimmune condition known as IgAN that prevents the kidneys from functioning properly, sometimes leading to patients needing dialysis or even transplant. —Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026

While both supplements are generally safe, melatonin may worsen symptoms of autoimmune conditions, and magnesium could cause an unsafe buildup of the mineral or dangerous effects in folks with kidney disease, or a heart or neuromuscular condition. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 6 Mar. 2026

But autoimmune conditions were essentially untreatable until the nineteen-forties, when scientists discovered that steroids could reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. —Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 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