immune response

noun

: a bodily response to an antigen that occurs when lymphocytes identify the antigenic molecule as foreign and induce the formation of antibodies and lymphocytes capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless

called also immune reaction

Examples of immune response in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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An algorithm identifies which are most likely to provoke an immune response, and up to 34 of them are used to produced the personalized vaccine, said Jane Healy, head of oncology early development at Merck. Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 Gut bacteria are integral to human physiology, aiding digestion, synthesizing vitamins and other beneficial compounds, regulating immune responses, and helping prevent colonization by harmful microorganisms. Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026 It can be personalized to individual patients using genetic material from their tumors, which researchers hope will lead to more durable immune responses compared to other melanoma treatments. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026 Colostrum also contains prebiotics and immune-supporting compounds, which help feed beneficial gut bacteria, prevent harmful germs from attaching to the gut wall, and support a more balanced immune response. Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immune response

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of immune response was in 1923

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Cite this Entry

“Immune response.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immune%20response. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

immune response

noun
: a bodily response to a foreign substance, cell, or tissue that involves the formation of antibodies and cells capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless

called also immune reaction

Medical Definition

immune response

noun
: a bodily response to an antigen that occurs when lymphocytes identify the antigenic molecule as foreign and induce the formation of antibodies and lymphocytes capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless

called also immune reaction

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